On November 9-10, 2002, Grand Commander C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33°, (front row, center), visited Prague, the Czech Republic, to join Ill. Christian Weger, 33°, Grand Commander, Supreme Council, 33°, for the Czech Republic, and many other European Masonic leaders to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the Supreme Council, 33°, for the Czech Republic, and the 10th anniversary of the renewal of that Council's activity. See "Masonic Visitation in Prague," Scottish Rite Journal (Dec. 2002).

Musical Salute To America In The District Of Columbia

On November 19, 2002, the Com-mittee on Education and Americanism, Valley of Washington, Orient of the District of Columbia, sponsored a two-part program, titled "Musical Salute to America," that both inspired and entertained. Ill. Jerold J. Samet, 33°, Personal Representative, as Master of Ceremonies for the event, warmly welcomed the Brethren, their ladies, and guests to the festive evening and then asked the audience to rise for the Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation, the latter rendered by Ill. James M. Burns, 33°, Chaplain.

Then Ill. Lon W. Weber, 33°, and Ill. Leonard Proden, 33°, Co-Chairmen of the Education and Americanism Committee, recognized the teachers and scholars who have received support from the D.C. Scottish Rite Foundation in 2002. For 12 years, their peers have selected outstanding teachers from ten randomly selected D.C. elementary schools and each has been honored by the Foundation with a $1,000 grant. The teacher, in turn, dedicates the grant to purchasing classroom supplies and equipment or to providing special educational experiences, such as student field trips.

On November 19, 2002, the 30-member Duke Ellington School of the Arts Show Choir of Washington, D.C., gave a dazzling performance during a "Musical Salute to America" program sponsored by the Valley of Washington. Photo: Bro. George J. Stoklas, 32°, K.C.C.H.

There are 133 elementary schools in the Federal City. So far, this annual program has recognized 120, and Ill. Weber noted that the Directors of the Foundation intend to continue and repeat these grants after every District school has been honored. Each 2002 award-winning teacher present was invited to the microphone to share her or his thoughts on the occasion.

Following these comments, Ill. Proden explained that the Foundation also funds 15 student scholarships every year. In each case, the student or parent present was called to the stage to receive applause and to share appropriate remarks.

Ill. George R. Adams, 33°, Deputy of the Supreme Council in Washington, D.C., then commented on the above programs as evidence of the educational mission and civic character of the Scottish Rite. M.W. Robert H. Starr, 33°, Grand Master, Washington, D.C., concluded the presentation portion of the program with inspirational remarks relevant to Freemasonry's role in American history as a strong advocate of individual development, public education, and patriotism.

After this brief program, the Duke Ellington School of the Arts Show Choir, under the direction of Samuel L. Bonds and with piano accompaniment by Victoria Alma Castello, entered the auditorium for a three-part program that brilliantly combined song and dance. The performance was so well received that standing ovations interrupted each segment whether it was devoted to spirituals, Duke Ellington classics, or a patriotic medley. An encore rendition of "Battle Hymn of the Republic" elicited audience participation and another standing ovation.

The evening concluded with an abundant refectory buffet during which the Brethren, guests, and members of the choir enjoyed delicious food and warm fellowship. Thanks to the Brethren of the District of Columbia for this exemplary Scottish Rite program!

Additional Youth Recognition Program

Recently, the Supreme Council initiated an additional Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction, Youth Program. This initiative, approved by the office of the U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense, will recognize college youth enrolled in the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) with an award for their scholastic excellence and demonstrated ideals of Americanism. The award consists of a medal and a ribbon (shown here at 3/4 size) to be worn on the ROTC uniform and a certificate suitable for framing. The medal depicts our Order's heraldic logo, the double-headed eagle and, by the words "ROTC Education and Americanism," calls attention to the two major focal points of the Scottish Rite. The medal, ribbon, and certificate are available from the Grand Executive Director's office as a package for a total price of $5.00, postage paid. The price of the package has been kept low to encourage participation in this new Americanism Program.

The Department of Defense has acted quickly in announcing this new opportunity to recognize America's outstanding youth. Already, the Council has received inquiries from the Headquarters ROTC Program offices of individual Services indicating knowledge of the program and an interest in quickly incorporating information about it into their publications.

By implementing this new program and the Scottish Rite's already existing and successful Junior ROTC Education and Americanism Program in ROTC schools located in your area, your Valley can achieve long-term benefits through positive publicity, community service, and youth recognition. Please see your Valley Secretary for additional information.

Testimonial Honors Ill. Daniel F. Levenduski, 33°

At a recent testimonial in his honor, Ill. Daniel F. Levenduski, 33°, S.G.I.G. Emeritus, received, among other honors, a plaque which recognizes his many contributions to the Scottish Rite and Freemasonry. The plaque will be placed in the Scottish Rite Clinic for Childhood Language Disorders in Duluth, Minnesota.

A testimonial for Ill. Daniel F. Levenduski, 33°, and his wife, Mary, was held in the Minneapolis Scottish Rite Temple, Saturday evening, October 26, 2002. The event honored Ill. Levenduski for his many years of dedicated service to the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry as Sovereign Grand Inspector General in Minnesota. Following a reception and dinner, approximately 250 attendees retired to the auditorium where Ill. James O. Burlingame, 33°, as Master of Ceremonies for the evening, introduced the Personal Representatives from the five Valleys in the Orient of Minnesota. Each spoke of his fond memories of working with Ill. Levenduski and thanked him for his leadership and assistance to their respective Valleys since 1988 when Bro. Dan was appointed Deputy of the Supreme Council in Minnesota.

Ill. Jack D. Rehberg, 33°, S.G.I.G. in Montana and Grand Standard Bearer of the Supreme Council, also spoke and related how he and Bro. Levenduski had shared many memorable times on the Supreme Council's Publications Committee. Ill. Harmon W. Ruliffson, 33°, of Minneapolis made a presentation to Ill. Levenduski of an Honorary Life Membership in Lambda Chi Delta, Honor Society in the Field of Language and Com-munication Disorders Study and Remedial Practice. Ill. Glenn H. Liljegren, 33°, Personal Representative in Duluth, presented a plaque honoring Ill. Levenduski. It will be placed in the Scottish Rite Clinic for Childhood Language Disorders in Duluth, Minnesota. Donations of over $10,000 in honor of Brother Levenduski and Mary to benefit the clinic were collected from Scottish Rite members in Minnesota. Ill. Neil E. Neddermeyer, 33°, Deputy Grand Master of Masons in Minnesota, brought greetings from the Grand Master of Masons in Minnesota and thanked Bro. Levenduski for his many contributions to Freemasonry. Ill. Stuart A. Lindman, 33°, Valley of Minneapolis, provided an eloquent speech on behalf of all of the members of the Orient of Minnesota and honored Ill. Levenduski on this special day.

When it was time for Brother Levenduski to say a few words, he expressed his deep gratitude for the many honors given him by the Scottish Rite Brothers and, most of all, for their great support over the last 14 years. Ill. Levenduski's leadership and inspiration will be missed. It is our hope that he and his lady will be able to visit our Minneapolis Scottish Rite Temple many more times in the future.

Submitted by Ill. Ronald L. Nelson, 33°, Secretary, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Portrait Of A Killer

A new book titled Portrait of a Killer, Jack the Ripper Case Closed was released to bookstores on November 12, 2002. The book focuses on an artist named Walter Sickert as the real "Jack the Ripper." In a book discussion held in New York by the author Patricia Cornwell, a member of the Masonic Information Center Steering Committee, William Feingold, posed this question to Patricia Cornwell: "In your research did you find any connection linking Jack the Ripper to the Masonic Fraternity?" Her response was, "Absolutely none."

Source: Focus (Dec. 2002) Masonic Information Center

For background information, see "The 'Jack the Ripper' Murders and Their Alleged Masonic Connections" by Bro. Paul M. Bessel, 32°, K.C.C.H., in the December 2001 Scottish Rite Journal. A more definitive version of this article also appears in Heredom, Vol. 9, 2001.

Inside A Time Capsule

The Confederate submarine H. L. Hunley sank off the coast of Charleston, S.C., on February 17, 1864, and was raised from the floor of the Atlantic on August 8, 2000. USA Today (6-1-02) noted:

"French archaeologist Paul Mardikian lowers his latex-gloved hands into the muck and tattered bits of uniform recovered from inside a sunken Confederate submarine. He tenderly grasps the pocket watch-a bulbous, golden timepiece with an intricately woven chain and inscribed medallion. The last human to hold it was the sub commander himself, Lt. George Dixon, who died in the submersible H. L. Hunley with seven crew members after sinking a Union warship on Feb. 17, 1864. It was the first submarine attack in the history of warfare. Plainly visible on the gold fob cut in the shape of a Masonic keystone emblem is his name and the chapter of his Masonic lodge inscribed in flowing cursive."

Source: Focus (Dec. 2002), Masonic Information Center

Like many of you, I have been struggling for many years to understand what Masonry is and what it expects of me. Like you, I have wandered many paths, but they all start from and end with "Care for your Brother." This is the great work of the Hospital Visitation Program of the Masonic Service Association of North America (MSA). This program cares for our Brothers and for other men and women who served our country.

I'm honored to have been asked by the MSA to write about their Green Envelope Appeal. The Hospital Visitation Program makes me proud to be a Mason. Our volunteers gave more than 250,000 hours of service last year, visiting those in VA Hospitals and Centers, making sure their needs are met, being that friendly face which tells them they haven't been forgotten. 250,000 hours, based on a 9 to 5 workday, that's 125 years of volunteer time, given in a single year! That is caring!

We've all been reminded since September 11, 2001, that freedom is never free. It costs money, it costs lives, and it costs lost limbs and other wounds which never truly heal. Our veterans have paid the cost for us. We owe them our concern, our care, and our support. The MSA's Green Envelope Appeal is a major source of funding for the Hospital Visitation Program. Please be generous in your response. We can never repay the debt we owe these veterans, but we can, at least, pay a little on the interest. Please make checks payable to: Masonic Service Association, 8120 Fenton Street, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910-4785. Contributions are tax deductible.

Thank you for your participation.

Sincerely and Fraternally, Jim Tresner, 33°, Grand Cross

Ill. James D. Cole, 33°, Appointed Deputy In Virginia

Photo: Ill. James Dean Cole, 33°, Deputy in the Orient of Virginia

On December 2, 2002, Grand Commander C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33°, appointed Ill. James Dean Cole, 33°, as Deputy of the Supreme Council in the Orient of Virginia, effective January 1, 2003, succeeding Ill. David Kruger, 33°, who retired effective December 31, 2002.

Ill. Cole was born on March 3, 1958, in Asheville, North Carolina, and moved in 1969 to Shawsville, Virginia, where he and his wife, Mary Ann, now reside with two children. Ill. Cole is a CPA who practiced with an international accounting firm before holding a variety of positions for 18 years at Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Blacksburg, Virginia, concluding with serving as Business Officer for 11 corporations with assets of over $575 million and a fund-raising foundation, which had an endowment of $350 million.

In 2002, he became Director of Development for the Masonic Home of Virginia where his innovative programs resulted in a 26% increase in annual gifts over the prior year. In addition, he has served as a professional consultant for numerous companies, universities, and non-profit organizations throughout the country.

Very active in his community, Ill. Cole serves on numerous local boards and committees. He has served his church as Chairman of the Administrative Council for 15 years, as an Adult Bible Class teacher for 22 years, and as an active lay speaker for the last 22 years. As a basketball referee, baseball umpire, and coach in both sports, he has benefited local high schools.

Raised a Master Mason in Craighill Lodge No. 160, Elliston, Virginia (Master 1987), Ill. Cole was a District Educational Officer, member and later Chairman of the Grand Lodge Committee on Finance, and Grand Master in 2000-01. A member and then officer of the Valley of Roanoke since 1991, his many services were recognized with the honors of K.C.C.H. in 1997 and 33° in 2001. His many other Masonic affiliations include Royal Arch, Commandery, National Sojourners, Shrine, Knights of the Red Cross of Constantine, Allied Masonic Degrees (Sovereign Master 1991), Societas Rosicruciana, DeMolay (Legion of Honor), Rainbow for Girls (Grand Cross of Color), and Job's Daughters (Honorary Council Member).

His rich, diverse, and successful background in finance, higher education, and Freemasonry predict that Ill. James D. Cole, 33°, will continue this same record of high accomplishment as Deputy of the Supreme Council in Virginia.

Lincoln, Nebraska, Scottish Rite Sponsors Boys Choir

On October 27, 2002, the reconstituted Lincoln Boys Choir performed before an audience of over 400 Brethren, parents, and guests at the Lincoln, Nebraska, Scottish Rite Temple. Lincoln's original boys choir existed from 1952 to 1967, and it became the dream of Bro. William W. Walker, 32°, K.C.C.H., a member of the original choir, to reconstitute the group. A year ago, when Bro. Walker was Venerable Master, the Lincoln Lodge of Perfection and the Lincoln Scottish Rite Preservation Foundation made a commitment to fund reconstituting the choir under the direction of Bro. Burton L. Schernikau, 32°, K.C.C.H. During three months of weekly practice sessions at the Lincoln Scottish Rite Temple, the choir ultimately consisted of 85 young men whose voices are not yet changed by puberty.

The premier performance was such a success that there have been requests for the newly reformed choir to appear at the upcoming Nebraska Shrine Bowl Game, the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Nebraska, the Nebraska Grand Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star, and several other non-Masonic events. Aside from promoting great fraternal and public relations, the new choir benefits the boys by boosting their self-esteem and musical talent. As a headline in the Lincoln Journal Star noted about the October event, "Choir: It's not just about the show."

Three Generations Of Scottish Rite Masons

The November 2002 Semi-Annual Reunion of the Tacoma, Washington, Valley was the occasion of a third-generation member of the Heydiauff family becoming a Master of the Royal Secret. Bro. Wesley A. Heydlauff, 32°, is shown (center) with his grandfather, Bro. Robert L. Heydlauff, Sr., 32°, K.C. C.H., on his right, and his father, Robert L. Heydlauff, Jr., 32°, on his left. Both Robert Senior and Junior are Past Masters of Thornton F. McElroy Lodge No. 302, Federal Way, Washington. The trio stands in front of the 6'x4' hand-carved depiction of the interior and exterior of King Solomon's Temple that hangs in the lobby of the Tacoma Scottish Rite Masonic Center. Submitted by Ill. Max Carnahan, Secretary, Tacoma, Washington, Scottish Rite Bodies

Mississippi Scottish Rite Donates Flags To School

The 2002 legislative session in Mississippi passed Senate Bill 457 mandating that all public schools in the "Magnolia State" display the American flag in every public school classroom at all times. This mandate passed easily, but, unfortunately, the legislature did not allocate any additional funding to cover this expenditure. As a result, schools throughout the state scrambled to find funding to purchase thousands of American flags before school started in the fall.

Bro. Harold L. Herl, 32°, K.C. C.H., Valley of Memphis, Tennessee, saw the immediate need and acted quickly, with the aid of his Valley, to organize a Scottish Rite response. The Brethren stepped forward and volunteered to assist the DeSoto County School District in this very important effort. DeSoto County Scottish Rite members immediately went to visit local schools to see what was needed and to put a plan into action. Through their initiative, Hernando High School was outfitted with a new American flag in every classroom the summer before school started. In addition, Scottish Rite members assisted with the labor involved in mounting and hanging the flags throughout the school. The generosity and personal involvement of the members of the DeSoto County Scottish Rite assured that every classroom was ready and equipped to meet the mandates of Mississippi Senate Bill 457.

As a result, thousands of students will have the benefit of seeing "Old Glory" wave for years to come. Jerry Baird, DeSoto County Schools Superintendent of Education, stated: "We are so thankful for the generosity of the DeSoto County Scottish Rite members and their commitment to ensuring that our schools were fully equipped with American flags for the new school year. The DeSoto County Scottish Rite members continue to amaze us with their commitment to our students and schools. It is my hope that our students will understand and appreciate what the American flag stands for and remember and honor those individuals who gave their lives for our freedom."

Santa Came Early In South Carolina

Yes, there is a Santa Claus, and he came to the Scottish Rite Center in Greenville, South Carolina, on December 6, 2002, bringing with him a $50,000 donation to the Scottish Rite Foundation of South Carolina. Ill. Barry A. Bankes, 33° (second from left in the photo), a retired Greenville architect, made the donation to honor his beloved wife, Clara, who succumbed to cancer early this year. Mrs. Bankes was her husband's Administrative Assistant for several years during her professional career. In addition, she was a Director for National Women in Construction, a professional organization.

At a reception held on December 6, 2002, at the John I. Smith Scottish Rite Center for Childhood Language Disorders, Greenville, South Carolina, Ill. Barry A. Bankes, 33° (second from left), presented a $50,000 Check to the Scottish Rite Foundation earmarked for 2003 operational expenses. Pictured left to right above are: Ill. Dr. Basil Manly IV, 33°, Vice Chairman of the Scottish Foundation of South Carolina; Ill. Barry A. Bankes, 33°; Dr. Christie Mina and Dr. Albert C. Mina, Mr. Bankes' daughter and son-in-law; Martha S. McDade, Director of the Center; and Ill. Michael D. Smith, 33°, Deputy to the Supreme Council, 33°. M.W. G. Kent Elkins, 33°, Grand Master of Masons in South Carolina, is in the background at Ill. Bankes' left. To honor Ill. Bankes for his service as the architect of Scottish Rite buildings in South Carolina and to acknowledge the $50,000 gift, the library in the Greenville Children's Center is named the Clara and Barry Bankes Library.

Ill. Bankes has requested the money be used for 2003 operational expenses at the Greenville Childhood Language Center. The gift assures preschool children in Upstate South Carolina will continue to receive treatment without a reduction in services in 2003.

Ill. Bankes was the architect for several Masonic buildings in South Carolina: the Scottish Rite Centers in Charleston, Columbia and Greenville, as well as the Masonic Temple building on Howe Street in Greenville. The Directors for the Scottish Rite Foundation of South Carolina, the body charged with the day-to-day operation of the Greenville facility, deemed it appropriate to name the Masonic Library housed in the John I. Smith Center the Clara and Barry Bankes Library.

Bro. Bankes received his 32° in 1964 at the age of 32 and was coroneted a 33° honorary in 1977. He was Venerable Master of the Greenville Chapter of Rose Croix in 1983, Commander of Kadosh in 1985, and Master of Kadosh in 1989. For many years, Ill. Bankes was the Director of Work for the Greenville Bodies. He continues to serve the Order as acting Venerable Master in the 14°, Chairman of the Building and Grounds Committee, and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Upstate Foundation that has oversight of the Children's Language Center in Greenville. In April 2002, Ill. Bankes received the Legion of Honor from Ill. H. Wallace Reid, 33°, then S.G.I.G. in South Carolina and Grand Minister of State of the Supreme Council, 33°.

Submitted by Ill. Wallace A. Mullinax, 33°, General Secretary, Greenville, S.C., Bodies

The Index for the 2002 Scottish Rite Journal is available. It and indexes from previous years may be ordered for $2.00 each. Please send remittance payable to the Supreme Council, 33°, to: Grand Executive Director, The Supreme Council, 33°, 1733 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009-3103

~ In Memoriam ~
Illustrious H. Wallace Reid, 33°, 1926-2002

Ill. Harry Wallace Reid, 33°, Past S.G.I.G. in South Carolina and Emeritus Member of the Supreme Council, passed away on December 13, 2002 in Anderson, South Carolina, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. On December 15, Grand Commander C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33°, Ill. William G. Sizemore, 33°, G.C., and many other distinguished Freemasons and friends attended Ill. Reid's funeral to pay their respects to and share their sincere condolences with Ill. Reid's beloved wife, Ann.

Born in Piedmont, S.C., on May 17, 1926, Ill. Reid had a distinguished career in the military, academia, civic life, and Freemasonry. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II, receiving the Purple Heart for a wound incurred during the attack on Iwo Jima. Upon his return to civilian life, he entered and graduated from Clemson University and began a long career in public education, rising to the posts of Department Head, South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind, and Superintendent, Anderson School District. His lifelong classroom, administrative, and scholarly achievements won him many awards from educational and professional organizations.

A Master (1951) of Grove Station Lodge No. 166, Piedmont, S.C., he went on to serve the Grand Lodge of South Carolina as Chairman of Education and Americanism, Fraternal Correspondent, and Grand Master (1974-1976). A dual member of the Spartanburg and Greenville Scottish Rite Bodies since 1926, he served as a Class Director and as the Master of and a participant in several Degrees. His service to the Rite has left a remarkable record: K.C.C.H. (1957), 33° I.G.H. (1965), and S.G.I.G. (1985-2002).

Ill. Reid's many other Masonic affiliations included the Royal Order of Scotland, Hejaz Shrine Temple, York Rite, Square and Compass Club, National Sojourners, Inc., and Heroes of '76. Other leadership roles included many civic, religious, humanitarian, and educational groups such as the Community Chest, Presbyterian Church (Sunday School Teacher, Member of Board of Deacons), American Association of Instructors of the Blind, American Convention of Instructors of the Deaf, Clemson College, and several Greek Letter Societies.

Ill. H. Wallace Reid, 33°, labored tirelessly to build a great nation and preeminent Masonic Fraternity. Because his example inspired thousands of fellow citizens and Brethren, his dream lives on.