Ronald A. Seale, 33°, Sovereign Grand Commander

In the Great Light of Masonry, we recall the words of the Preacher in Ecclesiastes, “To every thing there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” There is a time to begin and a time to end. Beginnings and endings—and each in their own time. One chapter of our journey blends into another, weaving the rich tapestry that becomes the story of our lives.

I think of these words as I consider the impending retirement of Illustrious John W. Boettjer, 33°, GC, the Managing Editor of The Scottish Rite Journal. As reported elsewhere in this issue, Dr. Boettjer has announced his retirement effective April 1, 2005. As a matter of fact, this issue of the Journal will be the final one under Dr. Boettjer’s direction. Accordingly, I would like to devote this Grand Commander’s Message and dedicate this issue of the magazine in its entirety to Dr. Boettjer in recognition of a job well done and duties honorably discharged.

Dr. Boettjer has been the Editor of the Journal since 1989, joining the Supreme Council staff after a distinguished teaching career at such institutions as The George Washington University, Michigan State University, Lansing Community College, and Virginia Military Institute. At VMI, Dr. Boettjer was a professor of English for 15 years. Additionally, he served as a Research Associate at the Library of Congress and Princeton University and a Research Fellow at Harvard University. Prior to actually becoming a full-time staff member at the House of the Temple, John was a regular contributor to and helped edit the publication, then known as The New Age Magazine.

Throughout the years he has seen and directed many changes, not only in the magazine, but also throughout the Scottish Rite as an organization. His contributions are numerous. The publication of the immense Sovereign Grand Commander’s biennial Allocution is his responsibility as well as many other functions, including assistance in the selection of House of the Temple photographs for our widely-anticipated calendar and the design and publication of the Supreme Council holiday card every year. This year’s card was a particular credit to John’s foresight and vision.

I have had the privilege of working with John for only a brief time. Over this past year, I have come to know him as a man with a “can do” attitude. Whatever the project, however difficult the obstacle, I know John always responds with a smile and puts his shoulder to the job at hand. If a task is assigned to Dr. Boettjer, I can consider it done.

To me, that’s the highest compliment and the sign of both a good employee and a dedicated Freemason.

Perhaps Dr. Boettjer’s service was best described by my predecessor, Illustrious C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33°, Past Sovereign Grand Commander, in his 1993 Allocution, “[Dr. Boettjer’s] unflagging devotion to the Scottish Rite is evidenced in a thousand beneficial ways both in The Scottish Rite Journal and in the many, many other activities of the House of Temple where his advice and expertise are sought and used to the great benefit of our Order.”

So, John, on the behalf of all of us—your friends, co-workers, and brother Masons everywhere—thank you for your efforts, your dedication, and your zeal for the Craft of Masonry. We will miss you.