All photos George J. Stoklas, KCCH, except where noted

Following the 2003 Biennial Session's Vesper Service, Ill. Ronald A. Seale, then Lt. Grand Commander and SGIG in Louisiana, speaking at Saint John's Church, Lafayette Square, conducted a special dedication of the House of the Temple's new display areas.

Following several days of committee meetings by members of the Supreme Council in the House of the Temple, the 2003 Biennial Session began on Sunday, October 5, with the traditional Vesper Service at Saint John's Church, Lafayette Square, in Washington, D.C. Dr. W. Kenneth Lyons, Jr., GC, Grand Chaplain of the Supreme Council, greeted the Brethren, their ladies, and distinguished guests who filled the historic church. His sermon, titled "Remember and Rejoice," is reprinted in full in this issue of the Journal.

After the formal service concluded, Ill. Ronald A. Seale, SGIG in Louisiana, conducted a special dedication of the House of the Temple's newest display areas: the Americanism Museum; Albert Pike Museum; and Kenneth S. Kleinknecht, 33°, Exhibit. In part, he said:

"I am deeply honored that Grand Commander Kleinknecht has asked me to officiate at this special moment. During the past two years, there have been many important and necessary improvements to the House of the Temple, in addition to the entirely rebuilt grand staircase leading to the House of the Temple's front entrance.

"Three new museum areas, for instance, are now open on the first floor near the George Washington Memorial Banquet Hall. While each display is impressive, its area is best suited to visits by small groups, not large assemblages such as this at the Vesper Service. Thus, we have chosen to have the official dedication ceremony here in Saint John's Church for each of the three museums.

"In the new Americanism Museum you will find many interesting and beautifully displayed artifacts relevant to Freemasonry's impact on our nation's history. For instance, you will see President and Ill. Brother Harry S. Truman's Masonic collar and the pen he used in signing the Book of Gold when he received the Thirty-third Degree; the Supreme Council flag that Astronaut and Ill. Brother Edwin E. Aldrin, Jr., carried during his walk on the moon; and Ill. Brother Audie Murphy's World War II dog tags.

"In the new Albert Pike Museum, you will find, gathered in one place, all the books Grand Commander Pike willed to the Supreme Council; Pike's rocking chair from his Little Rock home; Pike's personal Thirty-third Degree collar, jewel, and ring; and even a collection of the pipes he loved so well and the quill pens with which he most likely wrote Morals and Dogma.

"The most recent display in the House of the Temple is the Kenneth S. Kleinknecht Exhibit. Illustrious Brother Ken, as an aeronautical research scientist, played a key role in many NASA projects and was the manager of Project Mercury, America's first manned space flight program. Brother Ken was also an essential member of the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, and Columbia space shuttle missions. The Kenneth S. Kleinknecht Exhibit has many mementoes from these and other space flights, as well as a replica of a Norman Rockwell painting, in which Illustrious Kenneth S. Kleinknecht is pictured.

"Two very special individuals deserve recognition for their key roles in creating the American-ism Museum, the Albert Pike Museum, and the Kenneth S. Kleinknecht Exhibit. They are, of course, Sovereign Grand Commander C. Fred Kleinknecht, without whose leadership these projects would never have come to fruition, and to Joan K. Sansbury, Librarian/ Curator of the Supreme Council, who guided this work to successful completion.

Three new House of the Temple display areas were dedicated during the 2003 Biennial Session: the Americanism Museum, Albert Pike Museum, and Kenneth S. Kleinknecht Exhibit. Here (l. to r.) at the ribbon-cutting ceremony opening of the American Museum are SGC Elect Ronald A. Seale (l.) and SGC C. Fred Kleinknecht (r.) with Joan K. Sansbury, Librarian/Curator.

"Paraphrasing from the conclusion of the Masonic cornerstone dedication ceremony for buildings, I conclude this official dedication of these three new museum areas of the House of the Temple by saying: 'I pronounce the cornerstone of these exhibits as true, trusty, and well-laid. May the blessing of God rest upon these works, and may the exhibits here erected be preserved throughout all ages.'"

Following the Vesper Service and the above dedications, the Brethren, their ladies, and Supreme Council guests were invited to enjoy a buffet reception at the House of the Temple. In observance of the opening of the Albert Pike Museum, Ill. Jim Tresner, GC, reprised his role as Albert Pike in the Scottish Rite Research Society videotape, "A Visit with General Albert Pike." Dressed in Victorian period costume and in full makeup as Pike, he greeted those attending the reception and posed with them, if desired, for souvenir snapshots.

During the 2003 Biennial Session, Ill. Jim Tresner, GC, in makeup and Victorian garb as Albert Pike, welcomed visitors to the House of the Temple and to the new Albert Pike Museum.

On Monday, October 6, at 9:00 am, Active Members of the Supreme Council moved in formal procession from the Executive Chamber to the Temple Room to open the 2003 Biennial Session. Following the formal ritualistic opening on the 33° of the Supreme Council, SGC Kleinknecht moved the Session to the 14° and invited all Brethren waiting outside the Temple Room to enter. Ill. William G. Sizemore, GC, Grand Executive Director, then led all American citizens present in the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America. Following this, Dr. W. Kenneth Lyons, GC, Grand Chaplain, was invited to the altar to render a blessing on the proceedings. Grand Commander Kleinknecht then welcomed everyone with, in part, these words of greeting.

"We gather at a great milestone in the history of our Rite. This year is the Golden Anniversary of the RiteCare Childhood Language Program. For half a century, the Brethren of the Southern Juris-diction have supported a variety of clinics, centers, and programs dedicated to helping children communicate.

"Fully 10 percent of all children have some form of language or learning disability. Our Order began helping these children in 1953 in Denver, Colorado, by providing therapy for 14 children. Few then envisioned the nationwide network we now have in the Southern Jurisdiction of over 170 facilities assisting, on average, over 28,000 children every year.

"Here in Washington, D.C., only a few blocks from the House of the Temple, we have one of the finest of our RiteCare Childhood Language Centers. I urge you to visit this clinic. Also, I invite you to tour this magnificent House of the Temple, to witness our colorful ceremonies, and to enjoy the several festive occasions we have arranged for your pleasure.

"Take strength from this cordial fellowship. You have worked hard and accomplished much for the Fraternity. The honor of your company is warmly appreciated. Let us relish this unique moment of Masonic celebration and fraternal achievement while recommitting ourselves to the continued growth of our Order in this new century of Masonic progress."

Following SGC Kleinknecht's welcome and the roll call of the Supreme Council, Ill. Leonard Proden, Senior Grand Warden, Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, delivered the greetings of MW Jules S. Tepper, 33°, Grand Master, Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, who could not be present because of Yom Kippur. To read Ill. Tepper's comments, titled "Strength and Inspiration," click here.

Ill. William B. Brunk, Grand Master of Ceremonies, then introduced distinguished guests, including 15 attending Grand Masters, 14 Sovereign Grand Commanders, 15 representatives or heads of Allied Masonic Bodies, and 3 United States Congressmen. Click on the appropriate link to view the list of Grand Masters In Attendance, Head Table Guests, and Representatives from Allied Masonic Bodies.

Illustrious Orlan J. Weber, Sov-ereign Grand Commander, Supreme Council of Canada, responded for the Supreme Councils of North America. After expressing his pleasure at being able to attend the Biennial Session, he said, in part: "This Session allows us to meet new friends and make lasting relationships which give us a better understanding and appreciation for how Masonry is truly an international fraternity. We applaud your accomplishments and your community service. In Canada, we have just opened our first Learning Center. The London, Ontario, facility could not have been possible without the assistance and guidance provided by the Supreme Council of the Southern Jurisdiction.

Ill. Walter E. Webber, SGC, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, USA, addresses the Supreme Council, S.J., assembled in the Temple Room. Ill. M. Burton Oien, Imperial Potentate, seated directly behind him, shares the East with other distinguished Brethren.

"There are some things in Masonry that are ageless, such as these words written by William Preston over 200 years ago: 'Union and harmony constitute the essence of Freemasonry; while we enlist under that banner, the society must flourish, and private animosities give place to peace and good fellowship. In conformity with our precepts, as patterns worthy of imitation, let the respectability of our character be supported by the regularity of our conduct and the uniformity of our department. Then, as citizens of the world, and friends to every clime, we shall be living examples of virtue and benevolence, equally zealous to merit, as to obtain, universal approbation.'"

Responding for the Supreme Council, Northern Masonic Juris-diction of the Scottish Rite, the newly elected Grand Commander, Ill. Walter E. Webber, quoted from SGC Kleinknecht's Allocution, which had been distributed to all Session attendees, to praise the many successes attained by the Brethren of the Southern Juris-diction under Ill. Kleinknecht's 18 years as Grand Commander. In addition to saluting Ill. Bro. Fred, SGC Webber pledged to continue the legacy of cooperation between the two Scottish Rite Jurisdictions.

During the 2003 General Session of the Supreme Council, SGC Kleinknecht welcomed several Sovereign Grand Commanders and other distinguished Brethren to join him in the East of the Temple Room.

Other Sovereign Grand Com-manders were also invited to speak. Among them were Ill. Bros. Jack Ball, for Australia; Constantin Iancu, Romania, for Eastern Europe; Friedrich W. Schmidt, Germany, for Western Europe; Peter W. Frohmader, Republic of Honduras, for the Latin Supreme Councils south of Mexico; Gabriel Legorreta Villarreal, Mexico, for his Supreme Council; and, at 94 years young, Chryssanthos Katsikopoulos for the Supreme Council of Greece.

Ill. Kenneth B. Fischer, ME Grand Master, Grand Encamp-ment of Knight Templar, USA, was invited to respond for the Allied Bodies attending the Session, and he expressed the gratitude of all involved while wishing Godspeed to the many and diverse Masonic endeavors represented by the distinguished Brethren present.

SGC Kleinknecht was very pleased to present SGC Constantin Iancu, Supreme Council of Romania, a Certificate of Honor from our Supreme Council in recognition of Ill. Iancu's outstanding work in nurturing Freemasonry in Romania and, in particular, for his leadership in organizing the gala tenth anniversary celebration in Bucharest, May 30-31, 2003, for the re-establishment of Scottish Rite Freemasonry in Romania.

Then, Bro. Frederick W. Welch, 32°, Grand Master, International Supreme Council, Order of DeMolay, was invited to the podium to greet the assembled Brethren and to introduce Bro. Peter W. Brusoe, International Master Councilor, International Order of DeMolay. Bro. Brusoe's remarks, "Working for and with DeMolay," may be read by clicking here.

Similarly, Imperial Sir M. Burton Oien, 33°, Imperial Potentate, Imperial Council, AAONMS, was invited to speak to the assemblage, and he drew enthusiastic applause when he noted that 2003 has been designated the "Year of the Shrine Mason." Accenting teamwork among all Brethren, Ill. Oien noted that each Allied Masonic Body grows and accomplishes more when we work together in our fraternal "partnership with humanity." Ill. Oien closed his eloquent remarks by paraphrasing Brother Winston Churchill who said: "You earn a living by what you make, but you create a life from what you give."

Ill. Robert L. Goldsmith, SGIG in Florida and Grand Orator, was then invited to deliver the Grand Oration, "Miracles Do Happen."

Grand Commander Kleinknecht then gave a brief review of his 2003 Allocution and closed the morning's General Session with an invitation for all participants to enjoy a delicious buffet luncheon served in the George Washington Memorial Banquet Hall. As the Brethren moved to the banquet hall, the Supreme Council met in the Executive Chamber to elect the 2003 Knights Commander of the Court of Honour and the 33° Inspectors General Honorary.

After lunch, the General Session reconvened to hear the remaining reports from Supreme Council committees, beginning with the playing of "Taps" and the report, by Chairman Jack E. Nixson, SGIG in Wyoming, of the Committee on Obituaries. Following Ill. Nixson's presentation, SGC Kleinknecht paused in the proceedings to note that the 2003 Session is Ill. Nixson's last Session since he will soon be 80, the age limit for Supreme Council membership. SGC Kleinknecht thanked Ill. Nixson for his remarkable service and expressed the hope that his guidance would continue for many years. General applause in the Temple Room evidenced that these opinions were shared by the Brethren present.

Similarly, SGC Kleinknecht paused during the proceedings to give special thanks to the following for their high service to the Supreme Council: Ill. W. Gene Sizemore, GC, Grand Executive Director; John W. Boettjer, GC, Managing Editor of the Scottish Rite Journal; Ill. Arturo de Hoyos, Grand Archivist and Grand Historian; Ill. Earl E. Ihle, Director of Devel-opment; Dr. S. Brent Morris, GC, Director of Membership Devel-opment; Ill. Dean R. Alban, Director of Communication Systems; and, Ill. Robert L. Sansbury, Building Superintendent of the House of the Temple, who has brought the Temple to a level of excellence higher than ever before.

Other reports from Supreme Council Committees were then delivered with dispatch by their Chairmen and unanimously approved by voice vote of the Supreme Council. Among the Ill. Brothers presenting reports were: Earl K. Dille, Library; Robert L. Goldsmith, Benevolence & Fraternal Relations and Jurisprudence & Legislation; John E. Moyers, Education & Americanism and Visitations, Domestic & Foreign; Dwight A. Hamilton, Finance; Curtis N. Lancaster, Fraternal Relations; Jack E. Nixson, House of the Temple and Letters Temporary & Perma-nent Charters; Karl F. Reed II, Nominations; Warren D. Lichty, Publications & Communi-cations and Ritual & Ceremonial Forms; and H. Douglas Lemons, State of the Order & Unfinished Business.

SGC Kleinknecht also introduced the seven newly elected SGIGs (pictured below) and asked James D. Cole, SGIG in Virginia, to respond for them. Ill. Cole expressed the high honor and appreciation of all the newly elected SGIGs and pledged their joint support of the Supreme Council and its Grand Commander.

The seven SGIGs elected during the 2003 Biennial Session were (l. to r.) Ill. Bros. Gary L. Sissel, Iowa; James D. Cole, Virginia; Leonard E. Buffington, Georgia; Hans R. Wilhelmsen, Maryland; Jerry B. Oliver, Minnesota; Michael D. Smith, South Carolina; and Howard E. Kerce, Mississippi.

To conclude the long and productive day, SGC Kleinknecht called Rev. Lyons to the altar of the Temple Room. The Grand Chaplain voiced the feelings of the assembled Brethren saying: "We want to thank you, Fred, for all you have done for each and every one of us personally, and for all that you have done for our Scottish Rite. We also want to ask God's blessings on you and your special family in the years to come. We look forward to your able leadership being continued by the new Sovereign Grand Commander, to be installed tomorrow, and we also ask God to bless him and his dear family."

That evening, Brethren and the members of the general public were invited to attend the 2003 Biennial Session Gala Concert held at the beautiful and historic Warner Theatre in downtown Washington, D.C. The very entertaining program was dedicated to honoring World War II veterans, "The Greatest Generation," and to observing the 50th anniversary of the RiteCare Childhood Language Program. It featured The Commodores, the United States Navy's premier jazz ensemble, and began with a stirring vocal rendition of our national anthem. The evening's list of crowd-pleasing hits included classic jazz compositions and "big-band" melodies.

For nearly two weeks, the marquee of the historic Warner Theatre located in downtown Washington, D.C., announced the Biennial Session's Gala Concert, which was open free of charge to the general public. Photo: Elizabeth A. Williams

Having completed all Biennial Session business the previous day, Tuesday morning, October 7, could be devoted to the Supreme Council meeting in Executive Session, tours of our national capital's landmarks by interested Brethren and ladies, and a meeting of the Scottish Rite Research Society (SRRS) in the House of the Temple's George Washington Memorial Banquet Hall. About 200 SRRS members and guests participated in a full program which included a President's Report from Ill. William B. Brunk, brief reports on SRRS business, and the presentation of the Society's 2003 Contributing Member, Fellow, and Mackey Awards. (The recipients of the awards are listed in the December 2003 Scottish Rite Journal.)

However, at the time of the Biennial Session, the Society's top honors in 2003-the Albert Gallatin Mackey Scholar Awards for Excellence in Masonic Publication and the Lifetime Achievement Awards-had not yet been announced. Thus, there was an element of suspense as the Brethren waited to learn from Dr. S. Brent Morris, GC, Editor of Heredom, that the 2003 Mackey Award winners are as follows: Lisa Kahler for "Scottish Definitions and Transitions" (Heredom, Vol. 9, 2001) and Ralf Melzer, "German Freemasonry in the Weimar Repub-lic and the Third Reich" ( Heredom, Vol. 10, 2002). Also, the Mackey Lifetime Achievement Award was given posthumously to Kent Logan Walgren (who died on June 2, 2003) in recognition of his many works about Freemasonry and, in particular, his recently published 12-year study, Freemasonry, Anti-Masonry and Illuminism in the United States, 1734-1850.

Then, as a special speaker for the occasion, Wendy Rae Waszut- Barrett, who is completing her doctorate at the University of Minnesota, read a very interesting paper titled, "Theatrical Interpre-tations of the Indispensable Degree."

Ill. Robert G. Davis, GC, the newly elected Vice President of the Scottish Rite Research Society, congratulates Wendy Rae Waszut-Barrett on her excellent paper, "Theatrical Interpretations of the Indispensable Degree," presented to the Society's General Membership meeting in the House of the Temple on October 7, 2003.

While the Research Society was meeting, Active Members of the Supreme Council and attending Sovereign Grand Commanders and Lieutenant Grand Commanders assembled in the Temple Room for the installation of Ill. Ronald A. Seale, 33°, as Sovereign Grand Commander. During this rare and beautiful ceremony, Ill. Kleinknecht crowned Ill. Seale with his personal Grand Commander's cap and so transferred the legacy of his 56 years at the Supreme Council to its new Chief Executive Officer. SGC Seale, moved by the historical importance of the moment, warmly thanked the Supreme Council for its vote of confidence in electing him Sovereign Grand Commander and expressed his determination to build and extend the Rite so that it can meet all challenges and continue as an ever more dynamic part of our nation's future.

By 3:00 that afternoon, the Thirty-third Degree Elects had gathered in the Washington, D.C., Scottish Rite Temple for the conferral of the 33° by an excellent Degree Team, headed by Walter S. Downs, GC, Valley of Alexandria, Virginia, who fulfilled the role of Grand Commander. The Class Designate for the Degree was Bro. Lyndon Lowell Olson, Jr., Valley of Waco, Texas. While Designate Olson was out of the auditorium during a portion of the Degree, Ill. Downs noted to the Brethren that at times during the Degree, the ritual called on the Designate to rise, though Bro. Olson was still standing. Ill. Downs noted that Bro. Olson could not kneel as prescribed by the ritual since both his legs had been replaced by prostheses at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas.

When the Degree was over, Illustrious Brother Olson responded for the Class. He noted the great emotion he felt during the Degree, especially since the Scottish Rite had been so good to him in past years. After the necessary amputation of his legs, the Scottish Rite supplied the support he needed, and he learned to walk at Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas. In fact, he had learned so well that, until Ill. Downs called the situation to the attention of the audience, no one had noticed any lack of normality in Ill. Olson's gait as he moved through the Degree.

Ill. Olson also noted that now, post 9/11, America needs the values embodied in Freemasonry and the Scottish Rite more than ever. Masonry still remembers the widow, orphan, and disabled child. Masonry still reverences the Deity. Masonry still calls men to practice their faith. Thus, the Craft forms a solid bridge between diverse religious traditions and secular society. In a world torn by fanaticism and terrorism, Freemasonry provides a firm foundation for toleration and brotherhood. Ill. Olson's moving comments brought a standing ovation from the Brethren.

Congressman C. A. "Dutch" Ruppersberger of Maryland was also in the Thirty-third Degree Class, and he was called up to the stage by SGC Seale to express his reaction to receiving a white cap and being elected to the rank of Inspector General Honorary. His inspirational remarks, titled "The Challenge To Give Back," can be read by clicking here.

That evening, the Gala Banquet, attended by over 1,000 Brethren, ladies, and guests at the Capital Hilton Hotel, provided a festive climax to an impressive Biennial Session. Following the procession of head table guests, now Grand Commander Seale expertly performed the duties of Master of Ceremonies for the evening. Following the National Anthem, sung by soloist Sharon Haines, and the Pledge of Allegiance, led by William G. Sizemore, GC, Rear Admiral, U. S. Navy (Ret.), the assemblage enjoyed a delicious dinner and entertainment by both the Washington Ceremonial Brass and the Stereo Strings headed by Louis F. Coppola.

As dessert was being served, SGC Seale introduced head table guests and attending Grand Masters. Then, assisted by H. Douglas Lemons, SGIG in California and newly elected Grand Orator, the Grand Commander called each of the new Grand Cross Brethren present to the podium to receive his Grand Cross Jewel. They were: U.S. Congressman Michael Bilirakis, Valley of Tampa, Florida; George R. Carr, Valley of Des Moines, Iowa; Robert G. Davis, Valley of Guthrie, Oklahoma; Arnold Hermann, Valley of Long Beach, California; Deputy Arthur J. Kerr, Orient of the Panama Canal; Fitzhugh K. Powell, Valley of Jacksonville, Florida; Pat Beard, Valley of Waco, Texas; and J. C. Montgomery, Valley of Dallas, Texas.*

As the respondent for the Grand Crosses honorees present, Ill. Montgomery, the President of Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, expressed his sense of humility at being honored with so illustrious a group of outstanding Brethren. He said, "If God deals you a good hand, it is your obligation to do something good with it." The Scottish Rite, he said, has allowed him to touch and improve the lives of thousands of children at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital. He concluded saying there were no words equal to expressing his sense of gratitude and honor.

SGC Seale then asked Congressman Bilirakis to share a few words with the Brethren. First, Ill. Bilirakis noted his gratitude for the leadership provided by Ill. Robert L. Goldsmith, SGIG in Florida. Then, he thanked the Rite for allowing him to be a part of our wonderful work of helping children. What we do, he said, is truly a miracle. Too often we keep our Masonic contributions "under a bushel" when, in fact, we should make the public aware of all we do for the nation and our nation's children.

SGC Seale then called Ill. Dennis R. Rehberg to the podium for a word of greeting. Ill. Dennis Rehberg is the U.S Congressman from Montana and the son of Jack D. Rehberg, SGIG in Montana and newly elected Grand Almoner of the Supreme Council. Congress-man Rehberg said he was very proud to be among the other members of Congress who are Masons, and he noted that SGC Kleinknecht had done much to elevate awareness of Freemasonry on Capitol Hill.

An emotional highlight of the evening came when SGC Seale called on Dr. Tommie L. Robinson, Jr., Director of the Washington, D.C., Scottish Rite Center, to bring one of his young patients to the podium. Please see the article "I Lava You."

SGC Seale then took a moment to recognize SGC Kleinknecht, his wife, Gene, and his own wife, Saundra. Each "First Lady of the Scottish Rite" was presented with an armful of yellow roses and the thanks of all the Brethren for their service to the Order. SGC Seale then noted that he could never replace Fred but is greatly honored to succeed him in the Scottish Rite's highest office. He pledged to do his best to carry the Order into the years ahead and to always conduct himself in a manner to make the Brethren proud. At that moment, Ill. Seale called the assemblage's attention to the large screens located throughout the banquet hall and invited them to view a special video program, "A Legacy of Leadership," paying tribute to SGC Kleinknecht for his 56 years of service to Freemasonry, the Supreme Council, the Scottish Rite, and America. (The text of the "Legacy" videotape is published in the November 2003 Scottish Rite Journal.)

Over 1,000 Brethren, ladies, and guests attended the 2003 Biennial Session's Gala Banquet. Note in the background one of the several large screens used to show the "Legacy of Leadership" videotape tribute to SGC Kleinknecht.

A thunderous ovation greeted the end of the 8:35-minute videotape as the assembled Brethren, ladies, and guests spontaneously rose to their feet to recognize SGC Kleinknecht. In response, Ill. Kleinknecht shared some closing thoughts, saying that his life has been gifted with many, many miracles-among them meeting his wife, having a wonderful family, becoming a Mason, meeting thousands of dedicated Brethren, and holding the office of Sovereign Grand Commander. Then, turning to the closing words of his 2003 Allocution, Ill. Kleinknecht brought an emotional conclusion to the 2003 Biennial Session with these words.

"As the Volume of the Sacred Law says, 'To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven' [Ecclesiastes 3:1]. My 'season' during 18 years as Grand Secretary General, 18 years as Sovereign Grand Commander, and 56 years as an employee of the Supreme Council, 33°, has come to an end. The Supreme Council has installed Illustrious Ronald A. Seale, 33°, into our Order's highest office, that of Sovereign Grand Commander. There could be no better choice. Brother Seale is an experienced leader and dedicated Freemason who is able and determined to advance the Scottish Rite into the 21st Century as a dynamic Order meeting the challenges of change while maintaining the continuity and excellence which are the hallmarks of our Rite.

"Each level of my lifelong service to the Craft has yielded an abundance of happy memories, gratitude for being able to work with such fine people, and, ultimately, a deep sense of personal satisfaction. Together, we have been able to accomplish much. Supported by family, friends, colleagues, and the Brethren, we can aspire to and reach heights never dreamed of in common hours.

"I wish to use this opportunity to thank, one and all, the multitude of persons who have supported me these many years. There is no way, of course, to recognize everyone and certainly not the hundreds of thousands of Brethren across the Southern Jurisdiction who, as active Scottish Rite members, have given of their time, labor, fraternal love, and financial resources to our Order. People make the difference, and each of you has made a difference for good in Freemasonry. You are our Order, and I will be forever grateful for your participation in Scottish Rite Freemasonry. To my beloved wife, Gene, and family, I say that without your unwavering encouragement and love, I could not have taken even one step of the long Masonic journey that has brought me to this happy conclusion.

"To all, farewell and Godspeed. May you, too, find happiness in the arms of your family, comfort in the hearts of your Brethren, and fulfillment in the spirit of this noble Order."

SGC Seale then formally closed the 2003 Biennial Session by calling Dr. Lyons, the Grand Chaplain, to the podium to offer a blessing on all present and to invoke the Creator's guidance of the Scottish Rite as our Order labors to fulfill Freemasonry's great tenets of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.

John W. Boettjer Valley of Alexandria, Va., received his Ph.D. in American Studies from The George Washington University, Wash., D.C., where he taught before a 15-year career teaching in the English Department of the Virginia Military Institute, which included one year as a Research Fellow at Harvard. Ill. Boettjer became Managing Editor of the Journal in 1989.