| The Scottish Rite Brass of St. Louis added color and music to several Bicentennial Biennial Session occasions. Here they are poised, during the afternoon Bicentennial Site Observances on October 2, 2001, for the arrival of Brethren and guests coming to witness the dedication of the Scottish Rite monument marking the site of Shepheard's Tavern, birthplace in Charleston, South Carolina, of the Supreme Council, 33°, in 1801. Photo: Ill. McDonald "Don" L. Burbidge, 33° |  |
On Thursday, September 27, 2001, members of the Supreme Council, 33°, S.J., gathered in Charleston, S.C., birthplace in 1801 of Scottish Rite Freemasonry in America, to celebrate two centuries of Scottish Rite achievement. Three days of committee meetings and executive sessions, September 27–29, allowed Active Members to deliver reports, deliberate policies, pass resolutions and, generally, set the course of Scottish Rite Freemasonry in the Southern Jurisdiction as we enter the first decade of the 21st Century. Meanwhile, more than 3,500 Brethren began to gather for the Session and, with their wives and guests, took advantage of opportunities to visit historic Charleston and nearby sites.
On Friday, September 28, the entire Supreme Council was invited to visit The Citadel and witness a review of the Corps of Cadets. Prior to the impressive and colorful ceremony on a picture-perfect day, Major General John S. Grinalds, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.), president of The Citadel, personally welcomed the Supreme Council's members and guests who were seated in a special section of the review stand. He noted that The Citadel is pleased to welcome so distinguished a group, which teaches principles similar to the ideals of character, service, and patriotism inculcated at The Citadel. On Saturday evening, the Grand Commander and his lady, Gene, hosted the Family Dinner for Active Members, Deputies, guests, and their ladies at the Charleston Place Hotel, which was also the headquarters for the Supreme Council throughout the Session.
On Sunday, September 30, at 2:00 pm, the formal public meetings of the Bicentennial Session began with a moving Vesper Service conducted in the Performing Arts Center of the North Charleston Convention Center. Some 3,100 Brethren, guests, and Masonic dignitaries from across America and around the world filled the auditorium to capacity. Dr. W. Kenneth Lyons, Jr., 33°, Grand Chaplain, who had been recently elected by the Supreme Council to the Rite's highest honor, the Grand Cross, presided with the assistance of Dr. A. Robert Nix, 32°. "Grit and Grace," the inspiring Vesper Service message of Dr. Lyons, is featured in this issue. After the Vesper Service, a reception, with a full menu of delicious foods and music by the Scottish Rite Brass of St. Louis, followed in the ballroom of the Convention Center.
At 5:00 in the afternoon, the Grand Commander opened the 2001 Bicentennial Commemorative Exhibit at the Charleston Museum. That Sunday, Charleston's Post and Courier newspaper carried a full-page, color-illustrated article, titled "Lasting Fraternity," describing the exhibit and the Scottish Rite. What a wonderful example of great public relations! Light refreshments were served after the formal exhibit opening, and the Scottish Rite Brass of St. Louis provided appropriate music. In welcoming the many distinguished guests to the exhibit, Grand Commander Kleinknecht said, in part: "In over 50 years as a Mason, I cannot recall so impressive an event in a public building. What an honor it is to present the story of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry not only to our Brethren but also to the general public. This exhibit traces the 200-year history of our Order from its 1801 beginning in Charleston to today. You will see a time line of the prominent men who established the Supreme Council and who kept it going strong for over two centuries. Also, you will see many rare and historic artifacts from the Museum of the Supreme Council in Washington, D.C.
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On Sunday, September 30, 2001, Grand Commander Kleinknecht, 33°, assisted by Dr. John R. Brumgardt, Director, Charleston Museum, and Joan K. Sansbury, Librarian and Curator, Library of the Supreme Council, cut the ceremonial ribbon at the opening the Rite's Bicentennial Commemorative Exhibit at the museum. Photo: Bro. George J. Stoklas, Jr., 32°, K.C.C.H. |
"There are several people to thank for mounting this fine exhibit. Among them is, of course, the Director of the Charleston Museum, Dr. John R. Brumgardt. Without his cooperation and the enthusiastic support of his staff, this exhibit never would have happened. Thanks also go to Ill. Bros. Jim Tresner and Arturo de Hoyos for historical content and to Heather Calloway for assisting in the design of the exhibit. Most of all, Joan K. Sansbury, Librarian and Curator, Library of the Supreme Council, has done a truly outstanding job of coordinating and guiding this exhibit to the success we see tonight.
"After its display here, the exhibit will be available throughout the Southern Jurisdiction so that Brethren everywhere can enjoy this panorama of Scottish Rite achievement. Welcome to the exhibit. May you enjoy it and be inspired to carry on the great Scottish Rite tradition we have inherited from so many illustrious Brethren."
On the following day, October 1, a historic public event, the Opening Session of the Supreme Council, attended by over 3,500 Brethren and guests, began promptly at 9:00 am in the Coliseum of the North Charleston Convention Center. Special purple carpeting covered the working area of the Center's expansive arena. Special furniture, plus other ceremonial items from the House of the Temple, were used to convert the area into a Lodge Room. Ill. James R. Sanderson, 33°, Grand Tyler, called the large gathering to order in the traditional manner, and the entire Supreme Council and the Deputies, garbed in formal robes or tuxedos, entered in ceremonial procession.
Following the presentation of colors by the Cadets of The Citadel and the Pledge of Allegiance led by General Walter E. Boomer, 33°, USMC (Ret.), Grand Commander Kleinknecht welcomed all to the 2001 Bicentennial Biennial Session of the Supreme Council, 33°, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction, U.S.A., saying: "We gather at a great moment in Masonic history. Two centuries ago, in 1801, our Supreme Council, Mother Council of the World, initiated a global movement, which today extends to 54 Sister Supreme Councils and Others in Amity throughout the world. To the Brethren of these countries attending this Bicentennial Session, I extend a warm fraternal greeting. May you take from this meeting a renewed sense of Scottish Rite leadership that will enhance Freemasonry in your homeland and advance the Scottish Rite to new levels of international excellence.
"Also, I welcome the members and guests of our own Jurisdiction. In this Session and its conferral of high honors, may you find fresh enthusiasm for your role in Scottish Rite Freemasonry. Your talent and dedication will lead our Order into the first decades of the new millennium as a dynamic fraternity truly dedicated to the Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God.
"May everyone attending this historic meeting enjoy the pageantry, share in the festivities, and take pleasure in cordial fellowship. You have worked hard and accomplished much to strengthen the Scottish Rite and to build Freemasonry. Let us relish this unique moment of Masonic celebration and fraternal achievement while recommitting ourselves to the continued growth of our great Order in a new century of Masonic progress!"
Recognizing the terrorist attacks on America just three weeks before the opening of the Session, Grand Commander Kleinknecht, added: "In images that still sear our minds and break our hearts, we see airplanes loaded with passengers deliberately crashed by fanatics into the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. Today, as we meet, the exact number of lives lost is still unknown and, undoubtedly, will continue to rise.
"Great grief is silent. Words are inadequate to express our deepest sorrow. Yet each of us is touched by these tragedies and must speak out because we, as Scottish Rite Masons in free nations, are dedicated to liberty and human dignity.
"America and every nation represented here are victims or potential victims of such terrible acts of terrorism as we saw 21 days ago. Thus this Supreme Council and all Scottish Rite Supreme Councils around the globe unite in denouncing intolerance and violence. In solidarity, undefeated and unbowed, we react not by giving in and fleeing, but by being here in Charleston, by demonstrating our unity, and by strengthening our commitment to live as free nations in a free world community.
"We share in the profound sorrow of all the families whose loved ones were the victims of the recent tragedies: the passengers and flight crews of the doomed airplanes; the office workers going about their daily duties in the World Trade Center; the military service and civilian personnel in their offices at the Pentagon; the firemen, police officers, and Emergency Medical Service personnel who lost their lives in attempting to save the victims of this brutal attack on the innocent.
"We dedicate this Bicentennial Biennial Session of our Supreme Council to their memory, and I ask that you join with me in a minute of silence followed by the singing of 'God Bless America' by Carl Shealy, soloist, Choir of St. Mark United Methodist Church, Charleston. Please stand."
The Grand Commander then introduced General Boomer as special guest speaker for the Session. Ill. Boomer also spoke eloquently of the terrorist attacks and of our mission, as Americans and Scottish Rite Masons, to the nation and world. Ill. Boomer's address was interrupted three times by spontaneous applause and followed by a standing ovation.
Following these somber but inspirational remarks by the Grand Commander and General Boomer, the Opening Session's busy agenda continued with several highlights of note.
The Grand Commander rendered Grand Honors to all the 20 Grand Masters attending the Bicentennial Biennial Session and called them by name to stand and be recognized. He then invited M.W. G. Kent Elkins, 33°, Grand Master of Masons in South Carolina, to the East. M.W. Elkins welcomed everyone to the "holy city of Charleston," so called because of its numerous churches, and the "Palmetto State" of South Carolina. He noted that the Scottish Rite, in particular, and Freemasonry, in general, had much to celebrate. This Biennial Session, he said, "marks a new beginning for a great Fraternity and an opportunity to seize the moment to prove, once again, the inner meaning of our Brotherhood."
The Honorable R. Keith Summey, Mayor of the City of North Charleston, then welcomed all to Charleston "where the Cooper and Ashley Rivers join to form the Atlantic Ocean." He closed his eloquent, but also humorous and homespun, remarks, saying, "Y'all enjoy your visit and come back soon, you hear!"
After these warm greetings, Ill. Kleinknecht—assisted by Ill. John E. Moyers, 33°, Grand Master of Ceremonies and S.G.I.G. in Kentucky; Ill. H. Douglas Lemons, Past Lt. Gr. Cmdr. and S.G. I.G. in California; and Ill. William B. Brunk, 33°, S.G.I.G. in North Carolina—individually and personally welcomed the many Masonic dignitaries attending the Session. The first delegations welcomed were, in order of their founding, representatives from 39 Sister Supreme Councils. This ceremony began with an especially warm greeting for Ill. Robert O. Ralston, 33°, Sovereign Grand Commander, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the Scottish Rite, U.S.A., and his delegation of eight distinguished leaders from the N.M.J.
Grand Commander Kleinknecht invited Ill. Ralston to join him in the East and, later, to share his comments on the occasion. At that time, Ill. Ralston not only spoke eloquently of Masonic unity but also presented a magnificent hand-blown and engraved crystal bowl to the Southern Jurisdiction to commemorate the Bicentennial Biennial Session. The large historic bowl is now on display in the House of the Temple in Washington, D.C. In his comments, Grand Commander Ralston noted the joint pledge of the S.J. and N.M.J. to a relief fund to assist victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks. He noted that Freemasons are builders, not destroyers, and that "we can, together, make our country stronger and build another 200 years of Masonic success."
The following 38 Sister Supreme Councils, their Sovereign Grand Commanders, representatives and delegations, were also personally welcomed by Grand Commander Kleinknecht: France, Spain, Belgium, Ireland, Colombia, Brazil, Venezuela, Portugal, England and Wales, Scotland, Uruguay, Argentina, Cuba, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Chile, Hungary, Greece, Switzerland, Turkey, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, Austria, Germany, Bulgaria, the Philippines, Costa Rica, Honduras, Iran-in-Exile, Finland, Australia, South Africa, Ivory Coast, Russia, Slovenia, Denmark, Canada, and National Grand Lodge of Iceland.
Each Sovereign Grand Commander and his delegation were escorted by a Cadet from The Citadel, carrying the appropriate national flag. These flags were then mounted in the East, making a most colorful display representative of the universality of our Rite. These flags, along with other Bicentennial memorabilia and artifacts, are now on display in the Charleston Scottish Rite Center.
At this time, the Grand Commander requested certain Sovereign Grand Commanders to speak on behalf of various geographic areas: Hubert Kopp, Germany, for Europe; Rosendo C. Herrera, the Philippines, for Asia; Reijo Ahtokari, Finland, for Baltic Countries; Brian Dohnt, Australia, for Australia and New Zealand. Each expressed sympathy and pledged support for America and the Scottish Rite in this time of tragedy. It is interesting to note that Ill. Dohnt's airline was the next-to-last commercial carrier to land in America, at Newark International Airport, just prior to the terrorist attack.
Following these ceremonies, the Grand Commander recognized the representatives of all the Allied Masonic Organizations attending the 2001 Bicentennial Biennial Session and thanked them for their participation in this historic event. Responding to a special invitation from the Grand Commander, Mr. Jason R. Polonsky, 35th International Master Councilor, Order of DeMolay, addressed the assemblage saying, in part: "In light of the recent tragic terrorist attacks, it means more now than ever when I say to you that the world needs DeMolay. Has there ever been a more important time to affect proactively the joining habits of young people? Isn't it more important now to teach the virtues of good citizenship and brotherhood? Has there ever been a more important time to teach the lesson of toleration?
"When you get to its most basic level, DeMolay takes young men and has them kneel on both knees, place their hands on the Word of God, and promise in front of their friends that they will honor their parents, remain faithful to their friends, fulfill their promises, protect womanhood, and defend their country. Do you know that at that moment, we have created Masons in heart? Whether or not they ever join Freemasonry, I know I feel better that at least they were taught our lessons. May God bless DeMolay. May God bless the Scottish Rite. And, most of all, may God bless America!" The International Master Councilor's comments were warmly applauded by the assemblage, and the Grand Commander pledged the Scottish Rite's continued 100% support for the Order of DeMolay.
Following these introductions and presentations, Grand Commander Kleinknecht called on several Active Members to deliver, as Chairmen, the reports of their respective Supreme Council committees. These were abbreviated oral presentations, the full reports to appear in the 2001 Transactions. Selected committee reports, as given at the Session, will appear as articles in the February 2002 issue of the Scottish Rite Journal. Among the reports given were Fraternal Relations by Ill. H. Wallace Reid, 33°; Ritual and Ceremonial Forms by Ill. Curtis N. Lancaster, 33°; Finance by Ill. Sam E. Hilburn, 33°, Grand Treasurer General; State of the Order by Ill. H. Douglas Lemons, 33°, Past Lt. Gr. Cmdr.; Grand Oration by Ill. Robert L. Goldsmith, 33°, Grand Orator; and Tribute to the Illustrious Dead by Ill. Jack E. Nixson, 33°, Grand Almoner.
Also, the Grand Commander paused throughout the morning's Opening Session to recognize and thank a number of outstanding Brethren or guests present. Among them were: Ill. Mel Tillis, 33°, G.C., star of the Gala Concert; Bro. Michael A. Richards, 32°, K.C.C.H., Keynote Speaker at the Gala Banquet; Hon. Kenneth W. Smith, Imperial Potentate, Shrine of North America; Ill. Gregory R. Klemm, 33°, Grand Master, International Supreme Council, Order of DeMolay; M.W. Dorothy Dewing, Grand Matron, General Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star; and Ill. William J. Jones, 33°, and M.E. Grand Master, Grand Encampment of Knights Templar, U.S.A., who responded to the Grand Commander's welcome for all the Allied Masonic Organizations.
Then, Sovereign Grand Commander Kleinknecht paused to give special recognition to four Active Members of the Supreme Council attending their last Session: Sam E. Hilburn, Grand Treasurer General and S.G. I.G. in Texas; David Kruger, Grand Secretary General and S.G.I.G. in Virginia; Daniel F. Levenduski, S.G.I.G. in Minnesota; and Bernard E. Rothman, Grand Standard Bearer and S.G.I.G. in Maryland.
Illustrious Kleinknecht then presented a summary of his 2001 Allocution. A printed copy of the Allocution had been placed in the packet of each Session registrant. Prior to the formal closing of the historic Opening Session, Grand Commander invited everyone present to enjoy the luncheon reception following and to participate in the many other Bicentennial Biennial Session activities.
| Country music star Ill. Mel
Tillis, 33°, Grand Cross, headlined a stellar evening of
entertainment, humor, and inspiration, at the Bicentennial's
Gala Concert on October 2, 2001, in the North Charleston Convention
Center Coliseum. Photo: Bro. George J. Stoklas, Jr., 32°, K.C.C.H. |
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That evening, for instance, 4,278 Brethren and guests attended the Mel Tillis Show, presented as the Session's Gala Concert in the Coliseum of the North Charleston Convention Center complex. Assisted by the Statesiders Band, Ill. Tillis presented a version of his Branson, Missouri, show that captured the audience with its foot-tapping songs and folksy humor. During the evening's performance, Bro. Mel called Grand Commander Kleinknecht and Grand Executive Director Sizemore to the stage and presented them with a $15,000 check in support of the Scottish Rite Foundation. In addition, Ill. Tillis announced the availability of signed art prints (a 1,000 edition) of his original painting "Masonic America." When fully distributed, the total donation to Scottish Rite charity from the purchase of this print will be $250,000! Bro. Mel, in fact, stayed after the show to sign prints for a crowd of enthusiastic Brethren. Grand Commander Kleinknecht heartily thanked Brother Mel for all his generosity and, assisted by Ill. Sizemore, presented Ill. Tillis a Certificate of Honor from the Supreme Council. It was truly a memorable and enjoyable evening, which Bro. Mel brought to a patriotic close with a rousing version of "There's a Star-Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere."
Two special events marked the following day, Tuesday, October 2. At 10:30 am, the Scottish Rite Research Society (SRRS) held its general membership meeting, opening it to all interested Brethren and their guests. Held with a near-capacity audience in the elegant Performing Arts Center of the North Charleston Convention Center, this, the Society's Tenth Annual meeting, was the largest SRRS gathering ever and featured a stellar performance by Ill. Bros. Jim Tresner, G.C. and Robert G. Davis. They presented a dramatic dialogue during which Ill. Davis, as a Mason from today, drifts into the past to confer with Albert Pike, played by Ill. Tresner in full makeup and Victorian costume. The performance brought a standing ovation from the audience and was followed by an abbreviated SRRS business session conducted by Ill. Forrest D. Haggard, 33°, G.C., President; H. Wallace Reid, 33°, Vice President; Ill. Warren D. "Duke" Lichty, 33°, Founding President Emeritus; Ill. Plez A. Transou, 33°, Secretary, and Bro. Todd E. Carton, 32°, K.C. C.H., Treasurer.
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During the Tenth Anniversary general membership meeting of the Scottish Rite Research Society (SRRS) on October 2, 2001, Ill. Forrest D. Haggard, 33°, G.C., SRRS President, presented SRRS Fellow certificates and jewels to (l. to r.): Ill. Jim Tresner, 33°, G.C. (in costume as Albert Pike for a dramatic dialogue presented at the SRRS meeting); Ill. S. Brent Morris, 33°, G.C. ; Ill. Alain Bernheim; Ill. Arturo de Hoyos, 33°; Ill. Rex R. Hutchens, 33°, G.C. ; Ill. C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33°; and Ill. John W. Boettjer, 33°, G.C. Photo: Bro. George J. Stoklas, Jr., 32°, K.C.C.H. |
A highlight of the business meeting was the awarding of the Society's first honors to contributors to SRRS publications. Special personalized SRRS jewels and certificates had been prepared for presentation to 46 "Contributing Members" who have had at least one article published in the Society's transactions, Heredom, or quarterly newsletter, the Plumbline. In addition, ten SRRS members who had contributed at least five articles to SRRS publications or authored a major SRRS publication, such as Vested in Glory or Forms and Traditions for the Scottish Rite, were honored as "Fellows" of the Society. Both Contributing Members and Fellows were listed in the event's program, which was distributed prior to the award ceremony as part of the fall 2001 Plumbline.
The Society's most prestigious awards, however, were kept confidential and only announced, in Academy Award fashion, at the Charleston meeting. These honored Brethren are termed "Mackey Scholars," named after the famous Masonic scholar Albert Gallatin Mackey, and are as follows: for "Excellence in Masonic Scholarship" Ill. Bros. Arturo de Hoyos, Jim Tresner, G.C., and Bro. Alain Bernheim; and for "Lifetime Achievement" Ill. G.C. Bros. John W. Boettjer, Rex R. Hutchens, and S. Brent Morris. All the Mackey Scholars were called to the stage and warmly applauded.
Grand Commander Kleinknecht also came to the stage to congratulate all the recipients of SRRS honors, and he took advantage of the moment to recognize two other categories of award. Early in 2001, the Supreme Council had announced a competition among all Orients. Its purpose was to arrive at a uniform logo, jurisdictional name, and descriptive terminology for voluntary use by all Scottish Rite Childhood Language Disorders Clinics, Centers, and Programs. Many excellent entries were received and considered by the Council of Administration. The Supreme Council then considered the Council of Administration's recommendation and awarded a cash prize of $20,000 to the Orient of Texas, which forwarded the award to the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, Dallas, for its development of the sunrise logo seen on the inside front cover of this issue. Also, Grand Commander Kleinknecht announced the winner in the category of uniform terminology to the Orient of Virginia for its entry of RiteCare, Scottish Rite Masons Helping Children Communicate. On a voluntary basis, every Orient may implement this new logo and terminology on letterhead stationary, clinic signage, and clinic-related publications. If this uniform logo and name are implemented across the Southern Jurisdiction, the American public will be able to recognize the Scottish Rite's main philanthropy and so understand the nature of our Fraternity and its service to America's children.
| On October 2, 2001, Ill. H.
Wallace Reid, 33°, S.G.I.G. in South Carolina, dedicated
a Scottish Rite monument at the site of Shepheard's Tavern in
Charleston, S.C., as Grand Commander Kleinknecht (r.) looked
on. Photo: Bro. George J. Stoklas, Jr., 32°, K.C.C.H. |
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Before Ill. Kleinknecht left the meeting to conduct other Council business, he delegated Ill. Boettjer to represent him and to confer the Supreme Council's "2001 Bicentennial Awards for Excellence in Publication" as first announced in his Grand Commander's message in the January 2001 Scottish Rite Journal. The purpose of these awards is to encourage, by recognizing excellence, quality Print Media and Internet Web Site publication.
Consequently, Ill. Boettjer announced the following awards: Grand Prizes of $5,000 each: Print Media to the Guthrie Scottish Rite Foundation, Orient of Oklahoma; Internet Web Site to the California Scottish Rite Foundation, Orient of California. Four co-equal runner-up prizes of $2,000 each were awarded in each of the two categories. In random order, they are: Print Media – the Orient of Wyoming, Orient of Louisiana, Valley of Omaha, Nebraska, and Valley of Santa Ana, California; Internet Web Site – the Valley of Long Beach, California, Scottish Rite Foundation of Florida, Inc., Scottish Rite Foundation of Virginia, and Scottish Rite Foundation of the District of Columbia. Each winner of a publication award also received a personally inscribed art print of the Don Cannavaro pen-and-ink drawing of the House of the Temple, along with a check to cover appropriate framing.
Following this festive morning SRRS meeting, some 3,777 Brethren and guests indicated their desire to participate in the Tuesday afternoon observances at five Bicentennial Scottish Rite Sites in Charleston.
That evening, various Orients hosted dinners for their honor men, ladies, and foreign guests. Some of these dinners were held in Charleston hotels while some Orients chose a dinner cruise of Charleston Harbor.
The last day of the Biennial Session was devoted to the K.C.C.H. investiture in the morning and the conferral of the 33° in the afternoon. These events were held, respectively, in the Coliseum and the Performing Arts Center of the Convention Center complex. The Session then concluded with the Gala Banquet in the Grand Ballroom of the Convention Center.
Of the 1,775 Brethren invested with the rank and decoration of Knight Commander Court of Honour throughout the Jurisdiction, 668 were present in Charleston to accept the honor. With Grand Commander Kleinknecht observing from the East, the K.C. C.H. investiture team of the Valley of Greenville, South Carolina, led by M.W. G. Kent Elkins, 33°, Grand Master of Masons in South Carolina, performed the ceremony expertly. Because of the banked auditorium, the large audience, open to the public, was able to recognize the precision of the floor work, and there was an audible expression of admiration when the members of the team crisply formed the climactic "Living Triangle" of the ceremony. Also, the auditorium echoed with applause as the honorees put on their red caps and the Active Candidate, Judge James G. Exum, Jr., Valley of North Carolina, responded for all the new honor men with a heartfelt "Wow!" Bro. Exum, 32°, K.C. C.H., went on to say that, though he is sure many others deserve this high honor more than he, he will try to live up to the confidence evidenced in him. He, like his fellow honorees, recognizes the beauty of the investiture's words and the significance of its symbols. However, these are but the outer expression of the Scottish Rite's inner philosophy, "the skin of living thought." Our obligation now is, he said, to live within this skin, to act on the square of Masonry's principles, and "to let the light of Freemasonry guide us in stamping out darkness in the world."
Concluding the ceremony, Grand Commander Kleinknecht expressed his own appreciation of the event and all its participants. It was, he said, the largest K.C.C.H. investiture ever and the largest audience. In addition, he was especially proud since his son-in-law, Bro. Robert L. "Rob" Sansbury, was among the group's new red caps. Ill. Kleinknecht took advantage of the moment to announce the five new Active Members of the Supreme Council. They are, in order of crowning, Ill. Bros. Joseph C. Jennings, Jr., Oklahoma; Earl D. Harris, Georgia; James J. Taylor, Oregon; David J. Morgan, Nevada; and Gary W. West, Idaho. He also announced the retirement of Ill. John H. Ramlo, 33°, as S.G.I.G. in North Dakota, and the appointment of Ill. Charles I. Ottem, 33°, as Deputy of the Supreme Council in North Dakota.
During that afternoon, October 3, all Inspectors General Honorary Elect and other 33° Brethren attending the Biennial Session gathered in the Performing Arts Center for the conferral of the Thirty-third Degree on 544 Brethren, with Bro. Roy L. Clark, the famous country music star and entertainer, as the Exemplar of the Degree. Ill. Tommie F. Brant, 33°, as Sovereign Grand Commander, led his conferral team's members through a letter-perfect ceremony. Responding for all the new 33rds, Illustrious Brother Clark expressed his gratitude for receiving the honor and reminisced about his lifelong interest in Masonry. First made aware of the Craft by an uncle whose daughter was a Job's Daughter, Ill. Clark said he began to notice that the men and friends he most admired in his community and profession were Masons. Thus, he decided to petition and learned to admire the Craft more and more during his many years of Masonic involvement. Ill. Clark concluded his eloquent remarks by recalling a few lines from the anonymously authored poem "The Face in the Mirror," words summarizing his own feeling about the Fraternity.
Love, and you will be loved.
Seek to understand, and you will be understood.
Listen, and your voice will be heard. Teach, and you will learn.
Show your best face to the mirror, And you'll be happy with the
face looking back at you.
Following Illustrious Clark's moving remarks, Sovereign Grand Commander Kleinknecht thanked everyone involved for so fine an event. Then he asked three Sovereign Grand Commanders to speak on behalf of certain geographical areas: Ill. Constantin Iancu, 33°, for Romania; Luiz Fernando Rodrigues Torres, 33°, Brazil, for South America; Ill. Peter W. Frohmader, Honduras, for Central America; and introduced Ill. Raoul L. Mattei, 33°, Past Sovereign Grand Commander, France, and Emeritus Member of Honour of our Supreme Council.
The Grand Commander then concluded the afternoon ceremony with two impressive gestures. He called Ill. H. Wallace Reid, 33°, S.G.I.G. in South Carolina, to the stage and asked the audience to acknowledge, with him, the great service Ill. Reid had done in planning the Bicentennial Biennial Session in Charleston and carrying it through with such outstanding efficiency and spirit. Inspector Reid graciously received the Grand Commander's praise and the audience's applause while, in turn, thanking the hundreds of Charlestonian and South Carolinian Brethren who had assisted him so much. "I stand on the shoulders of giants," Ill. Reid concluded.
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| Cadets from The Citadel presented the colors at the opening ceremony of the Gala Banquet which climaxed the Supreme Council's 2001 Bicentennial Biennial Session. Photo: Ill. McDonald "Don" L. Burbidge, 33° |
That evening, some 4,429 Brethren and guests gathered in the mammoth Grand Ballroom of the North Charleston Convention Center, which had been specially decorated for the occasion, to share in the final, festive event of the Bicentennial Biennial Session, the Gala Banquet. Following the procession of head table guests, Ill. Alan K. Simpson, 33°, Grand Cross, Former U.S. Senator from Wyoming, as Master of Ceremonies for the evening, welcomed everyone, called for the presentation of colors by The Citadel Color Guard, and invited Ill. William G. Sizemore, 33°, G.C., Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy (Ret.), to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Then, after several appropriate and sometimes humorous remarks, Senator Simpson asked Dr. W. Kenneth Lyons, Jr., 33°, G.C., Grand Chaplain, to give the blessing, after which the banquet guests enjoyed a delicious dinner accompanied by the music of the Scottish Rite Brass of St. Louis, Missouri.
Senator Simpson then returned to the podium to introduce the head table guests and Ill. J. C. Montgomery, 33°, President, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, Dallas (TSRHC). Ill. Montgomery spoke about and then premiered a new videotape describing the hospital and, in particular, its services to children with dyslexia. Following a viewing of the brief but compelling videotape projected on large screens around the banquet hall, Ill. Montgomery introduced Mr. Todd Berger, now a young man, but seen in the tape as a TSRHC patient. Mr. Berger's personal testimony told of how the Scottish Rite's help changed him from a withdrawn, silent child to an articulate, dynamic speaker, who is now an academic and professional success. He summarized the point of his presentation saying, "When you invest in a child, you make the world better one child at a time."
Following this emotional highlight of the Gala Banquet, Senator Simpson introduced the Keynote Speaker, Ill. Michael A. Richards, 33°. Ill. Richards is a famous actor known for his role as "Kramer" in the decade-long hit television series Seinfeld. Sharing several personal insights with the assembled Brethren, Ill. Richards noted that early in his acting career, he had met Red Skelton and was intrigued to find that the great comic had a serious side and was himself a 33° Scottish Rite Brother. "Red was a mentor to me," Ill. Richards said, "and he applauded the comedy that I could bring to the world, but he also told me to keep my eye on the soul or the man that I am. When I'm not wearing the mask of an actor, I spend time reading to catch up with the true self that I am supposed to be. And it's been, at times, a conflict for me, because I make my living wearing a mask. I did so for 10 years in the role of Kramer. And when I took that mask off, I was left alone and thought, Now what?"
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Seen here at the opening of
the Bicentennial Commemorative Exhibit at the Charleston Museum,
Bro. Michael A. Richards, 33° Elect, was the Keynote Speaker
at the Gala Banquet on October 3, 2001. Photo: Bro. George J. Stoklas, Jr., 32°, K.C.C.H. |
Coming across the great maxim "Know Thyself" in Masonry caused him, Ill. Richards said, "not to lose sight of that certain organic self that is essential for the spirituality of the heart and the integrity of the mind of an individual. My greatest joy at this time of my life, after spending 26 years in show business, is to be able to read the classics, to have the time to study Masonic philosophy, and to meet myself as I travel and become familiar with the ways other people live in this world." Though conflicted by the current horrific acts of terrorism, Ill. Richards concluded, "Three qualities have come up for me during the days of this Session: Brotherly Love, Charity, and Truth. How profound! I feel love for those of you who are in the midst of this Fraternity; I join you; I embrace you; I feel connected to you; and I begin to feel anew the necessity of Brotherly Love in the world. Thank you very much!"
Following these soul-searching words, a testament from a famous contemporary Scottish Rite Mason to the power of Freemasonry in the world today, Grand Commander Kleinknecht continued the agenda of the Gala Banquet. Assisted by Ill. H. Douglas Lemons, 33°, Past Lt. Gr. Cmdr. and S.G.I.G. in California, he announced the distinguished Brethren present who had been unanimously elected to the Order's highest honor, the Grand Cross. Each newly elected Grand Cross present was invited to the podium to receive his Grand Cross jewel. The 2001 Grand Crosses are Ill. Bros. George R. Baddour (Tennessee), Clyde M. Brown, Sr. (Oregon), Russell A. Cloud (Arizona), Joe A. Diele (Japan), Sean D. Graystone (New Mexico), Harold L. Gwatney (Arkansas), Ralph H. Head (California), Jesse A. Helms (North Carolina), W. Kenneth Lyons, Jr. (District of Columbia), Lee E. Schlessman (Colorado), John W. Teets (Arizona), James B. Wilkinson (Virginia), and Robert W. Woodward (American Military Bodies–NATO Bases). Ill. Teets graciously responded for all the Grand Crosses and expressed their mutual gratitude for this great honor with a hearty "Thank you!"
Prior to an eloquent closing prayer by Dr. Lyons, Ill. Kleinknecht shared his thoughts on the Bicentennial Biennial Session saying, in part: "Glad to Meet, Sorry to Part, Glad to Meet Again. These words, of an old Masonic ballad, are particularly meaningful to me tonight. Glad, in fact, may be too weak a word to describe my joy upon this occasion. Simply put, these four days have been fantastic! Thank you so much for your participation in this wonderful event. In particular, congratulations to the new Thirty-thirds, Knights Commander Court of Honour, their wives, and families. I know, from personal experience, that family support is the key to Masonic success. Ladies, you have been central to our Masonic journey, and I thank you, one and all, from the bottom of my heart.
"As the ballad says, I am Sorry to Part. My only consolation is that we will be Glad to Meet Again—at the next Biennial Session, in our Valleys, or at the House of the Temple in our nation's capital. Until then, may the Grand Architect of the Universe bless you, your families, our noble Rite, and our beloved country, the United States of America. May you have a safe journey home and continued success in Freemasonry! Good night and God bless!"
With these sincere and meaningful words, Sovereign Grand Commander C. Fred Kleinknecht closed what will surely be recorded as the most celebrated and significant ceremonial event in Scottish Rite history in America. May we now go forward into the first decade of the new millennium with renewed dedication to our Order and commitment to Freemasonry!
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John W. Boettjer (pictured addressing the 1999 Session) is a former professor of The George Washington University, Virginia Military Institute, and Michigan State University. A member of Cypress Lodge No. 295, Naples, Florida; the S.R. Bodies of Alexandria, Virginia; ; Adoniram–Zabud Council No. 2, Washington, D.C.; the Royal Order of Scotland, and National Sojourners, Inc., Illustrious Boettjer is a 1993 recipient of "The Distinguished Service Award" from The Philalethes Society. He has been Managing Editor of the Scottish Rite Journal since 1989. |
I wish to express that we are saddened and disgusted by the acts of terrorism against the United States. We feel, like the Americans, that these acts of terrorism are directed against the whole free world. We stand with you and all people in the world to condemn and to fight against terrorism side by side. May the Grand Architect of the Universe strengthen fraternal bonds all around the world for a free and peaceful society hand in hand with our American friends. After the historic breaking down in 1989 of the wall in Berlin, a wave of freedom swept over the former communist countries of Eastern Europe as well as East Germany. Freemasonry was and will continue to be re-established in these areas followed by the consecration of Scottish Rite Chapters. We are in cordial relationship with all Brethren in fostering freedom, brotherhood, and trust among all the nations in a free European community.
Ill. Herbert V. Kopp, 33°, Sovereign Grand Commander, Germany
The above is excerpted from Ill. Kopp's
remarks to the Bicentennial Biennial Session on behalf of the
Sovereign Grand Commanders of the European Region.