District
Of Columbia Brethren Perform New Ceremony
Painting
by Ill. John D. Melius, 33°
On March 30, 2002, the Valley of Washington, D.C., presented
the new "Ceremony of Remembrance and Renewal" as published
in Forms and Traditions of the Scottish Rite by Grand Commander
C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33°. The nine-member ceremonial team,
headed by Ill. Roy E. Revis, 33°, as Wise Master, performed
in the Valley's large theater on an impressive set designed
by Ill. Bros. Robert E. Murphy and Harry B. Newman III. Many
potted Easter lilies and spring floral arrangements enhanced
the setting, and the altar was carefully arranged with various
symbolic items, which were explained by cast members during
the very enjoyable evening. Other members of the cast and their
roles were Ill. Benjamin H. Lim, 33°, Orator; Ill. Grant
R. Berning, 33°, Senior Warden; Ill. Donald M. Holliday,
Jr., 33°, Junior Warden; Ill. Harry B. Newman III, 33°,
Guardian of the Temple; Leonard Proden, 33°, Almoner; Ill.
Kenneth M. Myer, 33°, Master of Ceremonies; and Bro. Joel
R. Kahn, 32°, Secretary. Among the several distinguished
guests present were M.W. Robert H. Starr, 33°, Grand Master
of Washington, D.C., and Ill. Charles S. Iversen, 33°, Emeritus
Member of the Supreme Council.
The new ceremony combines elements from the traditional Scottish
Rite Maundy Thursday and Easter Sunday services into an hour-long
ceremony which, in this case, also included a presentation by
Ill. George R. Adams, 33°, Deputy of the Supreme Council,
33°, Orient of the District of Columbia. Deputy Adams provided
an eloquent message accenting the universal themes present in
Freemasonry and related to the observance of the vernal equinox
by various faith traditions-Jamshedji Nauroz by Muslims, Passover
by Jews, and Easter by Christians. A particularly moving passage
in the ceremony was the reading of the names of all the Valley's
Brethren who have passed to the Celestial Lodge during the past
year.
While somber in its first section, the new ceremony moves to
joy and affirmation. In the latter vein, the evening began with
nearly 200 Brethren, ladies, and guests enjoying fellowship
and a delicious catered dinner and ended with the Wise Master
assuring the audience that "the Word of Life and Regeneration
is recovered, and the Law of Love lives!"
Congratulations, Brethren, on an inspirational new ceremony
beautifully performed!
Brother
Artist Aids In Guthrie Temple Restoration
The
Scottish Rite Temple in Guthrie has been called "the most
beautiful building in Oklahoma" by the Oklahoma State Historical
Society. Thousands of school children visit the Temple each
year, as well as college students in architecture and interior
design from several states. Each of the building's 13 large
"period rooms" was painted and decorated to represent
a different cultural and historical era, by painters, plaster
carvers, and stained glass workers who came from Europe in the
1920s to work on the building.
Restoration is an on-going process. Most of it is done by Brother
Tim R. Heaton, 32°, K.C.C.H., an expert craftsman, who recently
completed the restoration of the Egyptian Room, the smaller
of the Temple's two theatres (photo left). But when massive
restoration was needed on a room, which is a copy of a room
unearthed in Pompeii, additional help was needed. The particular
talents needed to restore ancient painting styles, matching
the color palette used in the original and executing the tromp
l'oeil (realistic, "fool-the-eye") techniques are
rare.
Fortunately, the artist was found; Bro. Jack B. Rucker, 32°,
is best known for his work in photography and videography, freelancing
for publishers, corporations, and television production companies
in the southwestern part of the country. But he is also an expert
at restoration. It required more than three weeks to mix the
paints, matching to the existing colors not only under artificial
light, but under the changing daylight colored by the room's
stained glass windows. When finished, one of the Temple's most
popular and beautiful rooms will shine again in its pristine
glory.
DeMolay
Officers Meet President Ford
| Northern California DeMolay Association
Officers were honored to meet with former President Gerald
R. Ford, Jr., a 50-year member of Doric Lodge No. 342, Grand
Rapids, Grand Lodge of Michigan, at the East-West Shrine
game in San Francisco. Bro. Ford, who played in the East-West
Shrine game while he was attending college, was a guest
of honor at the 2002 game. A recipient of the DeMolay Legion
of Honor while he was a Congressman from Grand Rapids, President
Ford was very cordial and thanked the officers for their
efforts on the part of DeMolay. |
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Spartanburg,
S.C. Brethren Work Hard For RiteCare Program
 |
Members of the Spartanburg, South
Carolina, Scottish Rite Bodies (left) serve hot dogs,
pizza, popcorn, and other fun foods at their local Chapman
High School football games. Working with the Chapman Boosters
Club and led by Ill. Michael D. Smith, 33°, Spartanburg
Brethren have been operating the concession stands at
the school's home games for the past two years. This has
been an enjoyable and profitable venture which has put
over $13,000 into South Carolina's RiteCare Program. The
Spartanburg Bodies also sponsor a golf tournament in the
fall. During the past 10 years, this venture has contributed
over $85,000 to the Rite's philanthropy. Though small
in number, the members of the Spartanburg Scottish Rite
are a close-knit group of Brothers who work hard for the
Scottish Rite. Congratulations to all!
Submitted by Bro. Robert
L. "Ted" Arthur, 32°, K.C.C.H.
|
Ohio
Raises 8,300 Master Masons
On Saturday, April 27, 2002, the Grand Lodge of Ohio initiated
more than 8,300 Candidates as part of its first-ever one-day
class. The ceremony was held in 10 cities around the state,
with numbers of Candidates varying by city from as low as 286
to as high as 1,864. "This is very likely the largest fraternal
initiation in history," said M.W. Thomas E. Reynolds, 33°,
Grand Master of Masons in Ohio. "I've been overwhelmed
by the success of this one-day initiation program. The last
time we took in numbers like this was 1957, when we initiated
8,500 new members over the course of a full year."
The 8,300 new members represent a wide spectrum of professions
and ages, including several city mayors, a theoretical physicist,
an immunologist, business executives, factory workers, and retirees.
The youngest Candidate is 19 and the oldest is 99. One new member
is Warren G. Harding III, great nephew of President Warren G.
Harding, who, along with three other Ohio Presidents was an
active Mason. Bro. Harding joined the same Masonic Lodge in
Marion, Ohio, where the President was a member. He said, "The
one-day initiation was an excellent opportunity for me to get
involved and be a part of history."
Ill. George O. Braatz, 33°, Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge
of Ohio, said: "Obviously, eliminating the apparent obstacle
of time was extremely attractive to our large group of new members.
Also, our analysis shows that the new members were influenced
by the opportunity to become part of the Fraternity's many charitable
and community efforts." Masonic charitable work in Ohio
encompasses a wide variety of projects such as awarding scholarships,
sponsoring training for teachers, disaster relief, sponsoring
Special Olympic athletes for the summer games, and the hosting
of two summer life-skills camps for at-risk youth.
Ill. Braatz also noted that "part of our success is a
result of a recent public awareness campaign, which included
advertising at movie theaters and creating a new web page."
With nearly 130,000 Master Masons in Ohio, the one-day, statewide
class represents a 6.4% increase in membership! The ceremonies
were held in the cities of Akron, Cambridge, Canton, Cincinnati,
Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Steubenville, Toledo, and Youngstown.
Because of the size of the various groups, such facilities as
the Palace Theater in Columbus and the First Star Center in
Cincinnati were used to accommodate the large number of attendees.
Congratulations, Brethren, on a great program! For more information,
log on to http://www.freemason.com.
Father
And Son Membership For Borgnines
I was fortunate to be with my old friend, Ill. Bro. Ernest
E. Borgnine, 33°, Grand Cross, and his son, Chris, while
attending the Annual Talons & Talonetts' Christmas Party.
While discussing Masonry, I learned that Chris wanted to become
a Mason, but he didn't know he had to ask. So I gave him a petition,
and tears of joy filled his father's eyes. In my own case, it
took me over 40 years to learn that I had to ask, and I was
10 years old when the Masons gave me a new pair of shoes. From
that moment, I wanted to be a Mason. Years later, I learned
that my older brothers were members but never spoke of it at
home. This is one reason why we have shrinking membership today.
Talk up Masonry and get your sons involved!
Reprinted from the Reporter,
Long Beach, California,
and written by Ill. Walter L. Kemmerer, 33°, who, regrettably,
recently passed away.
News
From The Panama Canal
At a solemn and impressive ceremony held on the evening of
January 28, 2002, at Saint Andrew Lodge No. 1140, Scottish Constitution,
in Panama City, Panama, 13 members of the Panama Canal Scottish
Rite Bodies formed the nucleus of the Panama Canal District
Grand Lodge at the Panama Canal. Pictured above (front row,
center), R.W. Henry F. Smith, Jr., 32°, K.C.C.H., District
Grand Master, was previously installed in Boston by the Grand
Master of Masons, Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. In turn, he
installed Ill. Arthur J. Kerr, 33° (to R.W. Smith's left),
as Deputy District Grand Master. Ill. Kerr then had the honor
of installing all the Officers of the District for the Masonic
year 2002.
"Uncle
Eddie" Is Miami Donor
Ill.
Edward Mitchell Auerbach, 33° (left), may be short in stature,
but he is a giant in the hearts of his Miami, Florida, Brethren.
"Uncle Eddie," as he is affectionately called after
being given the name by the International Order of Rainbow for
Girls, is always ready to lend a hand in Scottish Rite work,
and he is a steady supporter of a wide variety of Masonic charities
and organizations. Among them are High Twelve's Wolcott Foundation,
which supports graduate students as The George Washington University,
and the Order of DeMolay, which has recognized Ill. Auerbach
with its Honorary Legion of Honor. In 1997, he received the
Grand Cross of Color from the Supreme Assembly, International
Order of the Rainbow, for his support of Masonic youth groups.
The long-time Tyler of the Miami Scottish Rite and Honorary
Outer Guard for Mahi Shrine Center, Ill. Auerbach is also an
enthusiastic backer of the Masonic Home of Florida and the Tall
Cedars Foundation. Congratulations, Ill. Bro. Auerbach. Your
lifetime service to and generous support of Freemasonry are
deeply appreciated!
Valley
Of Austin Charters Chapter Of The Order Of The Thistle
On
February 9, 2002, the Austin, Texas, Scottish Rite Bodies initiated
and installed members of their newly created Chapter of the
Order of the Thistle with the assistance of Brethren from the
Fort Worth, Texas, Scottish Rite Bodies. The Order of the Thistle
is an organization based on the 29° of the Scottish Rite
and designed exclusively for 32° Masons. It promotes their
particular participation in activities of their Valley. A Chapter
of the Order of the Thistle was opened by eight Brethren of
the Fort Worth Chapter of the Order of the Thistle, led by Bro.
Tommy D. Guest, 32°, K.C.C.H., Fort Worth General Secretary,
and Bro. Danny J. Gilbert, 32°, Venerable Master of the
Fort Worth Chapter of the Order of the Thistle. An impressive
initiation ceremony, complete with a bagpipe band, followed.
The 32 Charter Members of the Austin Chapter of the Order of
the Thistle were duly initiated and the Chapter's officers installed.
An outstanding catered dinner followed, with numerous toasts,
along with speeches by Ill. Jack E. Hightower, 33°, S.G.I.G.
in Texas, and his Personal Representative of the Austin Bodies,
Dr. Robert A. "Bob" Northcutt, 33°. Founding Venerable
Master, Bro. Joby E. Dixon, 32°, closed the evening with
a discussion of the vision and goals of the Austin Chapter officers
to provide assistance to the General Secretary during Stated
Meet-ings and Reunions of the Austin Bodies; to demonstrate
a sense of respect for the principles and practices of the Scottish
Rite; and to promote good cheer among like-minded 32° Scottish
Rite Masons.
The evening was a result of several months of work and cooperation
between the Austin and Fort Worth Scottish Rite Bodies. The
assistance of the Fort Worth Brethren was essential to the genesis
of the Austin Chapter and fostered close ties between numerous
members of both Valleys. The energy and enthusiasm expressed
by the members bode well for the future of the Scottish Rite
in both Valleys.
National
Sojourners, Inc, Changes Membership Criteria
National
Sojourners, Inc., now in its 82nd year, has made a sweeping
change in its criteria for membership eligibility. Composed
of 164 active Chapters, eight In Memoriam Chapters, and others
in various stages of development, National Sojourners is a Masonic-Military-Patriotic
Order with a proud past and an established presence in many
states in the United States as well as in countries overseas
where American forces are stationed.
Until the past year, National Sojourners limited active membership
eligibility to Master Masons who were Commissioned Officers
and Warrant Officers of the uniformed forces of the United States,
past and present, and, to selected Master Masons for honorary
membership through an invitational process.
A resolution passed at the annual National Convention held
at St. Louis, Missouri, in June 2001, authorized Master Masons
who are, or have been, Senior Non-Commissioned Officers of the
uniformed services of the United States to be eligible to apply
for active membership.
Members of National Sojourners are Master Masons in good standing
in any duly constituted Lodge of Master Masons recognized by,
and maintaining fraternal relations with, a majority of the
Regular Grand Lodges in the United States. The Order's headquarters
is situated in the Collingwood Library and Museum on Americanism,
on land that was once a part of the George Washington River
Farm, located at 8301 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308-1399.
For more information call 703-765-5000 or fax 703-765-8390.
Dallas
Club Degree Team
The Van Zandt County Scottish Rite Club Degree Team, Valley
of Dallas, Texas, is setting new records every year. In 2001,
for instance, the team traveled throughout the Dallas area conferring
50 Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason Degrees
for Blue Lodges, when requested. Such work provides high positive
profile for the Rite and is a great means of membership enhancement.
The team's officers are Bros. Garland I. Crocker, 32°, President;
D. Gene Conley, 32°, Vice President; and Billy F. Ford,
32°, Secretary.
Pyramid
Award In Santa Rosa, California
Every year, the Valley of Santa Rosa, California, selects for
special recognition those Brothers who, in the opinion of their
peers, deserve an award of merit for their services. Sometimes
the reason for the award is quite clear. The Brother has done
something significant, either for the Fraternity or for the
community. However, the honor may be bestowed on a member who
has not been in the limelight, but has, simply by his presence,
inspired or encouraged others to achieve. Whereas the winners
may be surprised upon receiving the award, the other Fraternity
members seldom are.
The Valley Distinguished Merit Award consists of the 14°
ring suspended in a Lucite pyramid. Thus, it is referred to
as the "Pyramid Award," and it is not wantonly given.
The recipients in any year are few, with only 10 Brethren honored
in 2001. They are 32° Brothers William E. Caldwell, James
H. Yates, James S. Goodman, Donald K. Littleton, Robert G. Meng,
Robert R. Strader, and George F. Whitten. The Pyramid Award
also recognizes outstanding local Santa Rosa Brethren who are
not, yet, members of the Scottish Rite. Master Mason recipients
in 2001 were Bros.Stanley A. Ball, Edward D. Doss, and Eugene
C. Marcheschi. The awards were presented by Ill. Richard C.
Delsi, 33°, Personal Representative in Santa Rosa.
Family
Helping Family In Spokane, Washington
| Pictured (l. to r.) are Prophet Edwin
Weber, Past Monarch, Sadir Khan Grotto, Spokane, Washington;
Nikki Cole, Speech Pathologist, Scottish Rite Center for
Childhood Language Disorders, Spokane; Bro. John A. Wiess,
32°; Prophet Cliff Abramson, Monarch; and Arthur D.
Putnam, Past Monarch. |
 |
Yes, this is what you call family helping family, helping family.
First, it is the Sadir Khan Grotto helping another Masonic family
and that Masonic family, the Scottish Rite Language Center,
helping families with children who cannot speak. In the photo
at right, the Sadir Khan Grotto of Spokane is donating a check
for $2,500 to a speech pathologist and a Scottish Rite member.
This was in support of the children attending classes at the
Spokane Scottish Rite Center for Childhood Language Disorders
(SRCCLD). Many thanks to the Sadir Khan Grotto for all the support
they have given children in need.
Submitted by Ill. Edwin E.
Weber, 33°, SRCCLD President
Musical
Toys Benefit Spokane, Washington, Clinic
|
 There
are so many ways our friends volunteer to help the Scottish
Rite Center for Childhood Language Disorders in Spokane,
Washington. As an example, one wonderful couple purchased
the musical toys pictured at left and presented them to
the clinic. The children are enjoying the animals, and
the therapists use them for graduation gifts. The toys
are very popular, and the clinic's children are studying
harder than ever in order to make one of them their very
own.
The special couple donating the toys is Bro. R. Dean
Haave, Jr., Past Master of Parkland Lodge No. 299, Parkland,
Washington, and his beloved wife Beverly, Past Worthy
Grand Matron, Order of Eastern Star of Washington, 1999-2000.
Thank you both so much!
Submitted by Ill. Edwin E. Weber,
33°, President
S. R. Center Childhood Language Disorders Board
|
Representative
From Russia Attends Anchorage Investiture
 |
On February 5, 2002, Ill.
Vladimir Djanguirian, 33°, Grand Secretary General of
the Supreme Council of Russia, attended the K.C.C.H. Investiture
held in Anchorage, Alaska. He is pictured (below center)
with Ill. William R. Miller, 33°, S.G.I.G. in Washington
(left) and Ill. Mitchell R. Miller, 33°, S.G.I.G. in
Alaska (right). Ill. Djanguirian is also the Assistant Grand
Master of the Grand Lodge of Russia and attended the investiture
as representing his Grand Lodge. He was in attendance when
the Grand Lodge of Alaska, as a courtesy of the Grand Lodge
of Russia, constituted Pacific Rim Lodge No. 12 in Vladivostok
in October 2000. (See related story.) |
Three
Generations Of Masons In Hot Springs, Arkansas
| Recently, Bro. Brian Ray
(center) was pleased to receive a Masonic Bible from his
grandfather (right), Bro. William M. Ray, 32°, a retired
Church of God Minister and a member of the Valley of Little
Rock, Arkansas. Bro. H. Wayne Ray (left), Brian's father,
looks on. He will soon be petitioning the Scottish Rite.
All three-grandfather, father, and son-are members of Sumpter
Lodge No. 419, Hot Springs, Arkansas. |
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Washington
State Scottish Rite Scholarship
Foundation Funds Nursing Fellowships
In response to the growing nursing shortage, the Scottish Rite
of Washington State seeks to support the nursing profession
and combat the drastic shortage of nurses by assisting students
pursuing nursing degrees. Thus, on April 15, 2002, the Intercollegiate
College of Nursing/WSU College of Nursing was able to announce
two new $5,000 graduate fellowships to be awarded annually by
the Scottish Rite Scholarship Foundation of Washington. The
fellowships will benefit two graduate nursing students attending
courses at any of the six statewide Washington State University
Colleges of Nursing. Fellowship recipients must hold a minimum
3.0 grade point average and evidence dedication to community
service. Dorothy Detlor, Dean of the Intercollegiate College
of Nursing/WSU College of Nursing notes: "Every student
we graduate will assist with the more than 2,200 nursing staff
positions open throughout the state." For more information
about the Intercollegiate College of Nursing/WSU College of
Nursing, visit the college web site at nursing.wsu.edu.
Roy Rogers
Fan Makes A Special Request
Since the late 1930s, a New Jersey Brother has been an avid
collector of Roy Rogers memorabilia. Ill. Bro. Rogers, 33°,
shared recollections of his outstanding career in the August
1990 Scottish Rite Journal, and he was pictured on the
cover of that issue. The Supreme Council no longer has loose
copies of this issue available. If you can be of assistance,
please contact: Sam Dagostino, 96 Watson Drive, Dover, New Jersey
07801-4725.
