Mr. And Mrs.
Claus Visit Guthrie, Oklahoma, Clinic
 The
Guthrie, Oklahoma, Scottish Rite Childhood Language Disorders
Clinic holds dear its friendship with the real Mr. and Mrs.
Santa Claus. How do we know they are real? Just look at
the picture! Since the late 1980s, the Clauses (a.k.a. Charles
O. and Donnia Maddux) have donated their time and laps to
clinic clients and their families at the Guthrie RiteCare
Clinic's annual Christmas party. In addition, each year
this wonderful couple has made a financial donation to the
Guthrie clinic. Their generosity has allowed the purchase
of hearing equipment and therapy materials. Bro. Maddux
is a 32°, K.C.C.H., Valley of Guthrie, and Donnia is
a Past Matron of the Midwest City Eastern Star Chapter.
The Guthrie Brethren cannot thank them enough for all they
do and have done for the clinic! |
Santa
Visits Portland, Oregon, RiteCare Clinic
 Every
year, children being treated at the Portland, Oregon, H.
J. Casey Scottish Rite Clinic for Childhood Language Disorders
enjoy a holiday party hosted by the Brethren of Portland
Lodge No. 55 at the Portland Scottish Rite Temple. Dr. Phil
Levinson and other clinicians help the Lodge select toys
specifically appropriate to each child. The families of
clinic clients, including their brothers and sisters, are
welcome, and each child receives a gift. Above, Anthony
Edwards receives his holiday present from Santa, R.W.B.
Warren R. Gray, 32°, K.C.C.H., Past Master of Portland
Lodge and District Deputy Grand Master. |
Iowa
"Clothe A Child" Program Brings Christmas Early
|
|
|
Bro. William R. Kreuger,
Iowa Grand Lodge Librarian, and his his wife, Jan
help select shirts for their "Clothe a Child"
buddy.
|
In mid-October for the past five years, the Brethren
of the Valley of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and local Lodges conduct
a "Clothe a Child" program that provides early holiday
gifts to about 65 deserving children from the Cedar Rapids/Marion
area. The children, selected by the Salvation Army, are bussed
to the Sears store at Cedar Rapids Lindale Mall. As the store
opens, they are met by their shopping partners who help the
children select clothing items from a shopping list provided
by their parents. Each child is budgeted $115, but several of
the Brethren assured sales clerks that they would cover any
overages. After trying on a Green Bay Packers jacket, one child
declined to have it wrapped, saying "This is the first
new coat I've ever owned, and I'd rather not take it off."
The cash registers at Sears average near to $8,000 each year
from the two-hour shopping spree. After safely stowing their
early Christmas gifts, the kids are bussed to the Cedar Rapids
Masonic Temple for a hearty breakfast of pancakes, sausage,
juice, milk, cereal, and snack bars provided by Marion Econofoods,
Fareway Stores, and Quaker Oats.
Holiday
Cheer In Charleston, West Virginia
| On December 9, 2001, the
Brethren of the Scottish Rite Temple, Valley of Charleston,
West Virginia, hosted a holiday party for past and present
clients and their families who have been served by the Valley's
Lee O. Rockwell Scottish Rite Clinic for Childhood Language
Disorders. Seasonal cheer was enjoyed by all, especially
Ill. C. B. Hall, 33°, S.G.I.G. in West Virginia (pictured
right) who received a rubber ducky while visiting Santa
Claus. |
|
Peale
Anniversaries Celebrated
On September 20, 2002, Grand Commander C. Fred Kleinknecht,
33°, and his wife, Gene, were pleased to join a large assemblage
of special guests celebrating the 96th birthday of Ruth Stafford
Peale and the 50th anniversary of Illustrious Norman Vincent
Peale's famous book The Power of Positive Thinking.
 |
As actress Arlene Dahl
looks on, Ruth Stafford Peale, age 96, blows out the candles
on her birthday cake. |
The festive dinner event was held at the Helmsley Park Lane
Hotel in New York City, and three well-known celebrities provided
a stellar program. Arlene Dahl-famous screen star, stage actress,
syndicated newspaper columnist, and best-selling author-acted
as mistress of ceremonies; celebrated actor James Earl Jones,
as the evening's keynote speaker, enhanced his eloquent comments
by reading excerpts from The Power of Positive Thinking;
and the award-winning violinist Stephen Clapp gave a richly
deserved tribute to Ruth Stafford Peale, Co-Founder and Chairman
of Guideposts, a ministry of inspirational products and
services developed from the belief that people's lives can be
improved, strengthened, and deepened through applied spiritual
faith. Mrs. Peale was instrumental in launching Guideposts
magazine in 1945, and she also arranged for publication of her
husband's sermons in an innovative program that grew into the
world-renowned Peale Center for Christian Living.
In 1987, recognizing his lifelong support of Freemasonry and
American values, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, 33°, received
the Grand Cross, the highest honor that can be bestowed by the
Supreme Council, 33°. In 1992, Dr. Peale's portrait was
received into the Scottish Rite Hall of Honor in the House of
the Temple.
(For more information about the Peale ministry and Guideposts
publications, please go to www.dailyguideposts.com.)
Ill.
Michael D. Smith, 33°, Appointed Deputy In South Carolina
Effective September 1, 2002, Grand Commander C. Fred Kleinknecht,
33°, appointed Ill. Michael Duane Smith, 33°, as Deputy
of the Supreme Council in South Carolina, replacing Ill. H.
Wallace Reid, 33°.
Ill. Smith was born in Spartanburg, S.C., on April 29, 1958,
graduated with honors from Landrum High School, and received
his Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from the University
of South Carolina at Spartanburg in 1981. Extensive continuing
education in Sales and Marketing enhanced his distinguished
business career, and since 1990 he has held the position of
National Account Manager for Milliken Chemical where he is responsible
for retail sales, strategic planning, marketing, advertising,
and customer relationship management.
His community activities and Masonic career have been equally
remarkable. Among other positions, he has served as a member
of the Board of Trustees for Spartanburg County School District
1; Chairman of School District Bond Referendum Committee; member
of Inman First Baptist Church, Church Finance Committee, and
Youth Council; Board of Directors for University of South Carolina
Alumni Association; Vice President of Chapman High School Athletic
Booster Club, Band Booster Club, Youth Baseball and Football
Coach; Past President and Vice President of Mabry Junior High
School Booster Club; and member Parent Teacher Student Organization.
Raised in Landrum Lodge No. 278 in 1979, Ill. Smith became
a member of the Valley of Spartanburg, S.C., in 1982, and has
served in many positions, among them, Wise Master, Venerable
Master, Class Director, Degree Master, Chairman of Recognition
and Fund-raising, and is the current Director of Work. Invested
with the K.C.C.H. in 1989, he was coroneted a 33° in 1999
and selected as a Degree Team member for the K.C.C.H. investiture
at the 2001 Bicentennial Biennial Session. He is a Past Worthy
Patron, Inman Chapter Order of Easter Star, Past District Deputy
Grand Master, Grand Lodge of S.C., and Member of the Grand Lodge
Finance Committee. Ill. Smith and his wife, Lynn, reside in
Inman, S.C.
Given his many significant business, community, and Masonic
achievements, the appointment of Ill. Michael D. Smith, 33°,
as a Deputy of the Supreme Council assures continued success
for the Scottish Rite in South Carolina.
Masonic
Visitations In Prague And Vienna
| Pictured in Prague during an informal
Masonic conference on September 4, 2002, are (l. to r.)
Ill. John Lorenz, 33°, Grand Minister of State, Supreme
Council for the Czech Republic; Ill. John W. Boettjer, 33°,
G.C., Managing Editor, Scottish Rite Journal; and
Ill. Christian Weger, 33°, Sovereign Grand Commander,
Supreme Council for the Czech Republic. |
 |
On November 9, 2002, Grand Commander C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33°,
and his lady, Gene, joined Masonic Brethren, their wives, and
distinguished guests in Prague, capital city of the Czech Republic.
The occasion was a celebration of the 80th anniversary of the
establishment and the 10th anniversary of the renewal of activity
by the Supreme Council, 33°, of the Scottish Rite in the
Czech Republic. Ill. Christian Weger, 33°, Sovereign Grand
Commander of the Supreme Council for the Czech Republic, hosted
a formal reception and dinner on November 9 followed by a gala
concert, featuring the works of Czech masters, on November 10.
The festivities took place despite the August 2002 flood, the
worst in two centuries, which did so much damage to the city
and, in particular, to Masonic Lodges and libraries. Fortunately,
quick action by the Brethren rescued many rare Masonic books,
which were immediately rinsed and frozen prior to careful restoration.*
During the anniversary celebrations in November, Ill. Weger
made special note of the flood disaster relief sent to the Supreme
Council, 33°, for the Czech Republic by the Supreme Council,
S.J., and thanked Grand Commander Kleinknecht not only for his
personal interest in providing Masonic assistance but also for
the honor of his attendance at the anniversary celebrations.
 |
Ill. John W. Boettjer,
33°, G.C., conferred with Ill. Friedrich Drapal, 33°,
Grand Secretary General, Supreme Council for Austria, during
a recent visit to Vienna. |
Prior to this event, Ill. John W. Boettjer, 33°, G.C.,
Managing Editor, Scottish Rite Journal, visited with
Sovereign Grand Commander Weger and Ill. John Lorenz, 33°,
Grand Minister of State, Supreme Council for the Czech Republic,
in Prague on September 4. Then, extending a personal tour of
the Czech Republic and Austria, Ill. Boettjer took advantage
of being in Vienna on September 18 to visit with Ill. Friedrich
Drapal, 33°, Grand Secretary, Supreme Council, 33°,
for Austria. Ill. Drapal kindly spent the better part of a day
conferring with Ill. Boettjer and giving him a tour of the beautiful
Scottish Rite Temple in Vienna and the impressive Grand Lodge
of Austria. The several Lodge Rooms they visited were impeccably
maintained and noteworthy because of their diverse traditional
or modern decoration. Ill. Drapal was pleased to report a gradual
increase of membership in Austria, as in the Czech Republic,
of both Craft Freemasonry and the Scottish Rite.
*To contribute personal or Masonic funds
to flood relief in the Czech Republic, please send checks marked
"Flood Relief Czech Republic" payable to The Supreme
Council, 33° (1733 16th St., NW, Washington, D.C., 20009-3103).
Your donation will be forwarded to the Supreme Council for the
Czech Republic.
Inspector
Dwane F. Treat And Scottish Rite Featured
In Little Rock, Arkansas, Newspaper
Photo:
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, August 18, 2002
In 1995, a program was developed by Ill. Dwane F. Treat, 33°,
S.G.I.G. in Arkansas, to promote Scottish Rite Freemasonry throughout
the state via a "Citizen of the Year Award." The recognition
honors Arkansans who, through their personal or business influence,
have attained both state and national accomplishment. Each "Citizen
of the Year" is honored during a luncheon held on the first
day of Little Rock's Spring Reunion. The event is publicized
beforehand, and reporters are on hand to photograph the presentation
of an appropriate plaque to the honoree. Contributions from
the luncheon support the RiteCare Centers in Arkansas and are
given in the recipient's honor. Often, this results in a newspaper
feature on the Scottish Rite in several communities throughout
Arkansas. Because honorees are high-profile individuals, The
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, a state newspaper, has consistently
run an illustrated front-page article on the "Citizen of
the Year Award." On August 18, 2002, the climax of this
public relations program came when the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
featured Ill. Treat in its "High Profile" society
section. The illustrated article (photo right) depicted Ill.
Treat's accomplishments and influence throughout the business
and Masonic community. Previous honorees include such notables
as J. B. Hunt, Albert Yarnell, Patti Upton, Bro. William H.
Bowen, 32°, K.C.C.H., Frank Broyles, Joe T. Ford, Hugh McDonald,
and Donald Wray. The Little Rock "Citizen of the Year Award"
has given high positive profile to the Rite throughout Arkansas
and is a program other Valleys might consider as a means of
promoting both our Order and our RiteCare philanthropy.
Submitted by Ill. Robert L.
Spangler, Jr., 33°, Executive Secretary
Valley of Little Rock, Arkansas
Virginia
Lodge Joins Scottish Rite Clinic To Help A Child
Aaron
Kincaid, an eight-year-old living in Elliston, Virginia, was
recently assisted by the generosity of our Fraternity. A local
Mason, Bro. George M. Dewese, 32°, K.C. C.H., a long-time
supporter of the Scottish Rite's Childhood Language Program
at Radford University, learned of Aaron's needs. Aaron had been
accepted by the Radford clinic for one of its free programs,
the Scottish Rite Summer Language Clinic, but Aaron's working
mother (pictured left) could not arrange for transportation
to therapy.
Brother George contacted Mary Ann Cole, wife of M.W. James
D. Cole, 33°, who worked with the W.M. Paul A. Lambert,
Master of Craighill Lodge No. 160 in Elliston, Virginia, to
arrange for the young boy's transportation. The Brethren of
Craighill Lodge, led by W.M. Lambert and Michael A. Morrison,
son of Rt. Wor. James E. Morrison, District Deputy Grand Master
for the 40th Masonic District, provided free transportation
for Aaron during the three weeks of the clinic, driving him
back and forth each day. Aaron was greatly helped by his time
at the clinic. What a great example of how our various Bodies
in Freemasonry, our members, and even our wives, can become
involved in a good cause! Clearly, people are better off because
Masons care.
Submitted by M.W. James D.
Cole, 33°, Past Grand Master of Masons in Virginia, 2001
200th
Celebration Of Georgia Scottish Rite Freemasonry
The Scottish Rite Masons of Georgia held their 200th celebration
in Savannah September 6-8, 2002. The weekend activities included
a Lodge of Perfection meeting on Friday evening with representatives
of all the Valleys, Ill. William B. Brunk, 33°, S.G.I.G.
for North Carolina and Georgia, and M.W. Clarence E. "Buster"
Horne, 33°, Grand Master of all Masons in Georgia in attendance.
After formal welcomes, an impressive program on the Fourteenth
Degree was presented by Ill. Gordon B. Smith, 33°. A resolution
written by Bro. Gary Leazer, 32°, honoring the late Ill.
Earl D. Harris, 33°, Sovereign Grand Inspector General for
Georgia, was presented by Ill. Thomas L. Reese II, 33°,
Past Grand Master, and was adopted by the Lodge. During this
same time, Bro. Chris Desa presented a most enjoyable musical
program for the ladies.
| Among the many distinguished Brethren
participating in the 200th anniversary celebration in Savannah
of Scottish Rite Freemasonry in Georgia were (l. to r.)
Ill. C. Wayne Barnes, 33°, Chairman of the Executive
Committee, Valley of Savannah; Ill. Jimmy P. Smith, Jr.,
33°, General Secretary, Valley of Savannah; Ill. William
B. Brunk, 33°, S.G.I.G. in North Carolina and Georgia;
M.W. Clarence E. "Buster" Horne, 33°, Grand
Master of Georgia; and Ill. John H. Pigott, 33°, Personal
Representative, Valley of Savannah. |
 |
Saturday morning began with an early breakfast hosted by Georgia
Court No. 1 Order of Amaranth and Laurel Chapter, Order of the
Eastern Star, at the Savannah Masonic Center with opportunities
for tours of the center. Following breakfast, the Scottish Rite
Foundation of Georgia held an open meeting, which was well attended
by members of the Foundation and guests. At noon, commemorating
the occasion of this 200th celebration, the Grand Master and
Grand Lodge Officers dedicated a marker for the entrance foyer
of the Masonic Center. An afternoon bus tour highlighted the
Masonic significance of the city's squares and other attractions.
The tour included a memorial service conducted by Ill. John
H. Pigott, 33°, Personal Representative to the Sovereign
Grand Inspector General, at the grave of Ill. Richard Joseph
Nunn, 33°, a noted physician, S.G.I.G of Georgia and South
Carolina, and the driving force behind Georgia Scottish Rite
Masonry in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The evening activities
included a banquet in the main ballroom of the Desoto Hilton
Hotel. Ill. Brunk conveyed greetings from Ill. C. Fred Kleinknecht,
33°, Sovereign Grand Commander, and his own personal remarks.
The key-note address M.W. Horne delivered will be long remembered
in Georgia Masonry. At the conclusion of the banquet, the George
Doerner Orchestra provided music for a most enjoyable time of
dancing and fellowship for the remainder of the evening.
On Sunday morning, many of the attendees gathered at Wesley
Monumental United Methodist Church for a church service honoring
the Scottish Rite visitors. As great and enjoyable as this 200th
anniversary celebration was, it was shadowed by the recent loss
of Ill. Earl D. Harris, 33°, S.G.I.G. in Georgia, who had
been a supporter and promoter of this celebration, and R.W.
J. Rha McCleskey, Jr., 33°, Deputy Grand Master.
Submitted by Ill. Jimmy P.
Smith, Jr., 33°, General Secretary, Valley of Savannah,
Ga.
D.C.
Hosts Sons Of The American Revolution Oration Contest
History was made on Tuesday May 21, 2002, when the Scottish
Rite of Freemasonry, Valley of Washington, Orient of the District
of Columbia, hosted the D.C. Society Sons of the American Revolution
(DCSAR) Oration Contest at the Scottish Rite Temple along with
refreshments, a farewell reception, and musical program honoring
Ill. Floyd Edward Werle, 33°. That program included a violin
virtuoso performance by Cathleen Jeffcoat, daughter of a Brother
Mason from Australia.
The Sons of the American Rev-olution, a patriotic organization
founded in 1889, annually holds an oration contest for high-school
juniors and seniors. Participation requires a speech on a subject
that relates to the American Revolution. These speeches, which
involve no props or notes, must be at least five minutes long
and no more than six minutes. State winners are sent to the
SAR National Congress, this year in Nashville, Tennessee, to
compete for cash prizes. The D.C. Society sponsored four contestants,
three young men and one young lady, all students at Benjamin
Banneker High School in Washington, D.C. Iheanyi Umez-Eronini
won and will represent DCSAR in Nashville.
Ill. Werle, a professional musician with a Bachelor of Music
from the University of Michigan and an Honorary Doctorate of
fine Arts from Rocky Mountain College, served in the 695th Air
Force Band from 1950-1982. He served as Director of Music at
Faith United Methodist Church in Rockville, Maryland, and as
Grand Organist for the Southern Jurisdiction as well as choir
director and piano artist for a local Scottish Rite group. He
has moved to San Jose, California, and will be missed by all.
Ms. Jeffcoat, has been a Scottish Rite sweetheart since moving
to the Washington, D.C., area in 1997, and she received her
Doctorate of Musical Arts in May 2002 from the University of
Maryland. The DCSAR thanks Ill. George R. Adams, 33°, P.G.M.,
Deputy of the Supreme Council, for his permission to use the
D.C. Scottish Rite Temple for this important event.
York
Rite Hosts Unity Reception For Scottish Rite
|
|
|
Among the many dignitaries
participating in the recent Unity Reception in San Bernardino,
California, were (l. to r.) Bro. Douglas Lamb 32°,
K.C.C.H., Venerable Master, Lodge of Perfection; Ill.
John L. Welcher, 33°, Commander, Council of Kadosh;
Bro. Marshall F. Parker, 32°, Past Governor, York
Rite College; Sir Knight Robert C. Coe, Grand Commander,
Knights Templar in California; Ill. Allen B. Gresham,
33°, Personal Representative, San Bernardino; and
Bro. J. Lee Fogle, 32°, K.C.C.H., Assistant Personal
Representative, San Bernardino.
|
Recently, California's Inland Empire York Rite Association
hosted its first Unity Reception to honor their Brothers in
Scottish Rite Masonry. Following a great dinner, everyone adjourned
to the Lodge Room for a special program. Brother and Sir Knight
Marshall F. Parker, 32°, Valley of San Bernardino, Junior
Past Grand Commander, California Knights, served as the Master
of Ceremonies. Visiting dignitaries were introduced, including
Sir Knight Robert C. Coe, Grand Commander, California Knights
Templar. In his opening remarks, Bro. Parker stated, "One
of the first lessons we learn in Masonry is 'How good and pleasant
it is for Brethren to dwell together in unity,' and that's what
this evening is all about. We continue to work cooperatively
without concern about who gets the credit. The Scottish and
York Rite Bodies are not in competition, and a large number
of Masons belong to both Bodies. As we say, 'Both Rites are
Right.' The bottom line is that when our respective Bodies and
the Family of Freemasonry benefit-we all win!" A special
piano recital was then performed by Mrs. Eleanor Workman-Grand
Musician, Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America.
Following a few remarks by the presiding officers of the San
Bernardino Scottish Rite Bodies, Ill. Allen B. Gresham, 33°,
P.G.M. of California and present Personal Representative in
San Bernardino, was introduced as the evening's guest speaker.
He emphasized Masonic unity and the importance of Masonic Youth
Groups. He also noted the San Bernardino Scottish Rite Bodies
would be reciprocating in 2003 by hosting a Unity Reception
to honor their York Rite Brothers.
Submitted by Bro. Joseph Coppinger,
Jr., 32°, Editor, San Bernardino Scottish Rite Bulletin
Having
Fun Helping Children
|
 Ill.
Abraham N. Cutter, 33° (center) joins Nobles from
Southwest Washington Afifi Shrine Clowns, who are also
active Scottish Rite members of the Valley of Vancouver,
Washington. The clowns (l. to r.) are Bros. Gordon Gray,
Jim D. Stevens, 32°, James R. Frye, 32°, Ill.
Robert H. Beck, 33°, Personal Representative for the
S.G.I.G., Valley of Vancouver, and Bro.James A. Cobb,
32°, as they participated in the Battle Ground Washington
Harvest Days Parade in July 2002. This is an annual event,
and the group regularly takes part.
Submitted by Bro. Anthony
Schlee, Jr., 32°, K.C.C.H.
Secretary, Valley of Vancouver, Orient of Washington
|
Ill.
Charles E. Glidewell, 33°, Honored In Germany
| Pictured right at a special
meeting honoring Ill. Charles E. Glidewell, 33°, are
(l. to r.) R.W. Donald L. Saint, 33°, P.G.M., American
Canadian Grand Lodge; Ill. Glidewell; and Bro. Clyde A.
Barton, 32°, K.C.C.H. |
|
Recently, Ill. Charles Edward Glidewell, 33°, General Secretary,
American Military Scottish Rite Bodies, Orient of NATO Bases
(AMSRB), a 44-year Mason, was honored, for his many years of
excellent service to Freemasonry, by the American Canadian Grand
Lodge (ACGL) within the United Grand Lodges of Germany, "Brotherhood
of Freemasons." The ACGL elected him to receive the title
of Honorary Senior Grand Warden at its 40th Annual Communication
held in Bad Kissingen, Germany, on April 19-20, 2002. Not able
to be present at the Communication, V.W. Glidewell was presented
his certificate, apron, collar and jewel, by R.W. Donald L.
Saint, 33°, Past Grand Master, ACGL, at the "Brother
Charles Edward Glidewell Evening" (see photo) held at the
Friends on the Lahn Lodge No. 860 on June 13, 2002. Ill. Glidewell
is a Past Master of Friends on the Lahn Lodge (1980-1982). He
was appointed Grand Tiler, ACGL (1985- 1995) and elected Honorary
District Deputy Grand Master of the ACGL in 1991. In 1983, Ill.
Glidewell joined the American Military Scottish Rite Bodies,
Orient of NATO Bases. In 1989 he was invested a K.C.C.H., and
in 1991 he was coroneted a 33°. In 1990 he was appointed
the AMSRB's General Secretary by Ill. Robert W. Woodward, 33°,
G.C., Deputy for the Supreme Council to the American Military
Scottish Rite Bodies, Orient of NATO Bases. The Supreme Councils
for Portugal and the Cote D'ivore (Ivory Coast) have honored
Ill. Glidewell as a Sovereign Grand Inspector General Honorary
of their Supreme Councils.
St.
John's Feast In Budapest, Hungary
 Bro.
Gabor E. Ecsodi, 32°, K.C.C.H. (standing), Valley of
American Military S. R. Bodies, Orient of NATO, was pleased
to attend the St. John's Feast hosted by the Grand Lodge
of Hungary in Budapest on June 29, 2002. During the festive
evening, he was called upon to present American- Canadian
Grand Lodge (ACGL) lapel pins as personal gifts from M.W.
John P. Buchanan, Grand Master, 32°, ACGL, to three
attending Grand Masters (l. to r.): M.W. Bro. Oscar Lessing,
Denmark, IX° (32° equivalent in the Scandinavian
system); M.W. Ill. Bro. Janos Ort, 33°, Grand Master
of Hungary; and M.W. Bro. Michael Kraus, Grand Master of
Austria. These pins, the toasts of the evening, and the
warm fellowship of the occasion expressed the symbolic chain
of Masonic Brotherhood that reaches around the world. |
Georgia
Lodge Sets Example Of Community-Masonic Outreach
On
August 28, 2002, E. W. Hightower Lodge No. 679, in Nelson, Georgia,
had what might be a unique meeting. The Lodge's Brethren, who
support a boy's baseball team and the Explorer Post of the Nelson
Police Department, invited the members of several youth groups
and their parents as well as members of the local press and
City Council. The meeting was also attended by representatives
of several Masonic Bodies, including the Scottish Rite, each
Brother wearing a Masonic apron or the regalia of his Order.
After a welcoming dinner, a representative of each group, non-Masonic
and Masonic (including DeMolay and Rainbow), briefly described
that organization's activities. The mutual opportunity to learn
about com-munity life and Freemasonry held the interest of the
more than 70 persons attending. What a great program every Lodge
or Temple can use to benefit community-Masonic relations and
enhance Craft membership!
Submitted by Bro. Ralph O.
Dennis, 32°, Atlanta, Georgia, Scottish Rite Bodies
A
JROTC Letter Of Appreciation
 The
popularity of the Southern Jurisdiction's JROTC Education
and Americanism Award (certificate, medal, and ribbon) extends
to the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the Scottish Rite.
Recently, Andres Teran, Cadet Major, Air Force JROTC Cadet
Group Commander (right in photo), Naugatuck High School,
Naugatuck, Connecticut, wrote saying: "On behalf of
the entire Naugatuck High School JROTC Corps of Cadets,
I would like to extend my appreciation for your support
of our program. The Scottish Rite JROTC Americanism Medal
is very special to us, especially Cadet Michael Martins
(left in photo). We all hope you will accept an invitation
to our next awards program. Thanks again for your support."
(For information on the Supreme Council's JROTC Award Program,
please contact your Valley Secretary.) |
Scottish
Knights Raise Funds For Rural Firefighters
The
Scottish Knights of Saint Andrew, Fort Scott Chapter, Valley
of Fort Scott, Kansas, and their families, observed September
11, 2002, by organizing a cookout to raise funds for the voluntary
firemen and women of Fort Scott Rural Fire Department No. 3.
Over $1,000 was raised toward the purchase of helmets, air packs,
pagers, and gas detectors. Bro. Charles M. Parker, 32° (a
dual member of the Valleys of Fort Scott, Kansas, and Kansas
City, Missouri) and the Knights of the Fort Scott Chapter were
assisted at the benefit by (photo below) Sara Ann Haney, Miss
Rodeo Kansas Queen for 2003, and Hubba Bubba (Bro. Mike King),
a Shrine Clown from Ararat Shrine Center in Kansas City, Missouri,
who entertained the large crowd. Also, the firefighters gave
tours of the several trucks these volunteers use in protecting
the Fort Scott community. Typical of Scottish Knights of Saint
Andrew across the Southern Jurisdiction, the Fort Scott Chapter
is composed of 32° Masons dedicated to helping their Valleys
and communities wherever and however needed. The Fort Scott
Knights, for instance, have prepared a special patriotic brochure
which is handed out at each parade and activity they attend,
along with information about the Scottish Rite and how to join
the Masonic Fraternity.
Lynchburg
Brethren Attend Virginia Masonic Family Day
On Saturday, October 12, 2002, some 34 members of the Valley
of Lynchburg, Virginia, boarded a bus in the pre-dawn hours
and traveled to Richmond, Virginia, to show support for Masonic
Family Day. M.W. Clifford A. Parker, 33°, Grand Master of
Masons in Virginia, designated the event as a way to bring together
the Bodies of Freemasonry in a celebration of Virginia's Masonic
Home and its achievements. The special day allowed Scottish
Rite Brethren and their families a time to enjoy a barbecue,
activities for children, and a parade featuring units from many
Masonic Bodies as well as each of the Masonic Youth organizations.
December 2002 
