Current Interest

Current Interest
~ May-June 2004~

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Scottish Rite Jurisdictions Support USO’s
“Operation Phone Home"

Photo: Elizabeth A. Williams,
The Scottish Rite Journal

Meeting in the House of the Temple in Washington, D.C., on February 13, Ill. Bros. Walter E. Webber (right), SGC of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, and Ill. Ronald A. Seale, SGC of the Southern Jurisdiction, presented two checks of $20,000 each to USO representative Tiffany Sefton, Coordinator of Corporate Giving, in support of the USO’s “Operation Phone Home.” This program funds prepaid 100-minute AT&T phone cards which are distributed free to our American troops abroad, particularly those soldiers in Afghanistan, the Balkans, and Iraq. The phone card sponsored by the Scottish Rites, pictured here, was designed by William D. Borman Jr., 32°, and carries the text “Compliments of America’s Scottish Rite Masons.” At this level of donation, other public relations benefits include being listed as donors in the USO’s annual report and being included, with a link to each Jurisdiction’s homepage, on the USO’s Web site.
The Masonic Service Association of North America is also funding a prepaid phone card with the text “Compliments of America’s Freemasons” and soliciting contributions from Grand Lodges and individual Brethren.
Scottish Rite Masons who wish to support our Order’s program should send checks earmarked “USO Operation Phone Home” payable to the Scottish Rite Foundation, S.J., at 1733 16th St., NW, Washington, DC 20009-3103. This patriotic program is an excellent way to demonstrate your personal and Scottish Rite support of America’s service men and women serving the cause of peace and freedom around the world.

New Exhibit at George Washington Masonic National Memorial

Renovated George Washington Museum, GWMNM,
west and east views

Photos: Bro. Arthur W. Pierson, 32°
Pierson Photography, Falls Church, Va.

On February 15, 2004, as part of the 2004 Annual Meeting of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association (GWMNMA), Ill. Warren D. Lichty, Association President and SGIG in Nebraska, officiated at the formal dedication of the Memorial’s recently renovated George Washington Museum. The renovation was co-funded by the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction and the Southern Jurisdiction of the Scottish Rite, and both Grand Commanders Walter E. Webber, 33°, NMJ, and Ronald A. Seale, 33°, SJ, were on hand to participate in the 3:00 PM dedication.
In a letter to all participants, Bro. George D. Seghers, 32°, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the GWMNM said: “The beautifully renovated Museum with its striking exhibits, unique and treasured items, and the comprehensive displays which tell the story of George Washington in great detail and clarity, will leave an indelible impression on all who visit.”

Just prior to the ribbon cutting pictured below, SGC Webber (left in picture below) said, in part: “Although the Scottish Rite in America is divided geographically into two Jurisdictions, we are singular in our purpose. In 1964, the two Jurisdictions worked together to support financially the museum on the fourth floor of the Memorial. Over the years there have been a number of joint projects, the most recent of which is the substantial renovation of the George Washington Memorial exhibition on this floor. Representatives from both our Jurisdictions worked together for several years to create a new display that tells visitors the story of George Washington as a Virginia planter, as a model citizen, as a military officer, as the nation’s President, as a mourned hero, as an American icon, and as a Freemason.”

Pictured left to right at the ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 15, 2004, dedicating the renovated George Washington Museum at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial (GWMNM) are: Ill. Bros. Walter E. Webber, SGC, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction; Warren D. Lichty, 33°, President, GWMNM Association and SGIG in Nebraska; and Ronald A. Seale, SGC, Southern Jurisdiction.

Photos: Bro. Arthur W. Pierson, 32°
Pierson Photography, Falls Church, Va.

Following Ill. Webber’s remarks, SGC Seale said, in part: “Through this exhibit, we bring to the general public a better understanding of this great man and, in addition, a clearer understanding of the influence Freemasonry had in shaping his character and the history of our nation. I am particularly pleased with the renovation of this Museum since it underlines the unity and cooperation of our Jurisdictions. We jointly developed the Museum and, in particular, the special section detailing Scottish Rite philanthropy helping America’s children who have learning and language disorders. Thank you, Brother Webber. Your personal commitment to this cause matches my own, and it has been a pleasure to build the mutual respect and accord of our two Jurisdictions through the development and completion of this outstanding permanent exhibit. Together, working as one, our Jurisdictions are moving strongly forward toward the renewal of our beloved Craft in America today.”

2004 RiteCare Conference in Nashville, Tennessee

Mark your calendar! The 2004 RiteCare Conference is scheduled for September 23-25 in Nashville, Tennessee. It will be hosted by the Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Scottish Rite Masons Institute for Communication Disorders. The meeting will be held at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel in Nashville. The conference will focus on a variety of clinical issues and techniques that will facilitate improved services for children with speech, language, and learning problems and the scientific basis of these problems. There will be opportunities for administrators and board members to learn how to improve clinic administration and fund-raising. Clinicians, speech-language pathologists, reading and learning specialists, clinic directors, and Scottish Rite Masons are welcome. The theme for this meeting, the fifth biennial national RiteCare Conference, is “Service Rooted in Science: Accurate Diagnosis with Effective Treatment.”
Each clinic in the network of RiteCare facilities and programs is encouraged to have at least one representative present. Individual Valleys and clinics or centers will again support the expense of having representatives at the conference. If you would like to request financial assistance, fill out the Application for Financial Assistance being sent to each clinic with an announcement of the conference. Forward the application to your local SGIG or Deputy by no later than July 22, 2004. Subsequently, applications will be channeled through Ill. Joseph O. Martin, SGIG in Tennessee. Send the applications to: Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center, c/o Shelia Lewis, 1114 19th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212. Though some scholarships are available for clinic personnel on a first-come, first-served basis, they are limited in number. Send in your reservation or application soon!

Children Visit the House of the Temple Library

On March 10, 2004, as part of the Library’s outreach to the general public, several children from Little Flowers Montessori school in Washington, D.C., visited the Library of the Supreme Council in the House of the Temple. The children enjoyed two stories read by Joan K. Sansbury, Librarian/ Curator, a short tour of the building, and finished with a light healthy snack.

Photo: Elizabeth A. Williams The Scottish Rite Journal

Special KCCH Investiture Is a Family Affair

Participating in a special KCCH investiture on March 11, 2004, in the House of the Temple were (l. to r.): Park A. Dodd, 33°; his wife Sue; J. Stanley Dodd, KCCH; his wife Karen; and Grand Commander Ronald A. Seale, 33°

Photo: Elizabeth A. Williams,
The Scottish Rite Journal.

On March 11, 2004, Grand Commander Ronald A. Seale, 33°, personally conducted a special KCCH investiture for Bro. John Stanley “Stan” Dodd, Valley of Greensboro, North Carolina. Though elected to this high honor by the Supreme Council on October 6, 2003, Bro. Dodd was unable to participate in earlier, scheduled KCCH investitures. As a special recognition of Bro. Dodd’s outstanding service to our Order, the Grand Commander wished to confer the honor personally and to include Brother Dodd’s family in the ceremony, which was held in the Executive Chamber of the House of the Temple and attended by many members of the headquarters staff.
The event was particularly moving since Grand Commander Seale asked Mrs. Sue Dodd, Bro. Dodd’s mother, to present her son with the KCCH insignia and jewel. Also, Mrs. Karen Dodd, Bro. Dodd’s wife, was invited to place the KCCH cap on her husband’s head. Finally, Bro. Dodd’s father, Ill. Park A. Dodd, Valley of Greensboro, North Carolina was invited to gird his son with the belt of the KCCH. Ill. Dodd is a longtime member of the Board of Directors of the Scottish Rite Childhood Language Center at Richmond, Inc., and Trustee of the Valley of Richmond Scottish Rite Bodies. As the former President of Beacon Press, he guided the printing of the New Age Magazine and then the Scottish Rite Journal for over 40 years. Presently, Stan Dodd, as a Sales Representative for the company now printing the Journal, carries on his father’s tradition of service to the magazine and the Scottish Rite.
Congratulations to all!

Mr. and Mrs. Amir Marafie Visit the House of the Temple

Photo: Elizabeth A. Williams,
The Scottish Rite Journal

On Tuesday, March 10, 2004, Amir Marafie, President of the Marafie Foundation-USA and of Arima L.L.C., a real estate development company, and his wife, Lulu Marafie, visited with Ill. Ronald A. Seale, Sovereign Grand Commander (photo next page); William G. Sizemore, GC, Grand Executive Director; Earl E. Ihle, Jr., 33°, Director of Development; and Barbara G. Golden, Director of Planned Giving, at the House of the Temple. Accompanying the Marafies were Nicky Walz, Marketing Analyst of Arima LLC, and Angie Mahoney, Executive Administrator. The Marafie Foundation-USA recently donated to the Scottish Rite of Minnesota over 5,048 square feet of office space in Elk River, Minnesota, for the development of the Orient’s second RiteCare Childhood Language Program clinic. The other RiteCare clinic is in Duluth. In addition, the Marafie Foundation-USA donated the existing tenant improvements, furnishings, and equipment for the Elk River site. The Marafies’ generous donation of over $1,500,000 to the Scottish Rite Foundation qualifies them for the title of “Pillar of Charity” and their names will be inscribed in the Pillars of Charity Alcove and the Gold Book of Recognition. The Marafie Foundation-USA also pledged to donate an additional 10,000 square feet of upcoming office space in St. Cloud and either Rochester or Winona, Minnesota, for the development of two other RiteCare Childhood Language Program clinics. Mr. Marafie is donating rental income from another leased unit to the Scottish Rite Foundation of Minnesota to help support clinic operations. Barbara Golden and Ill. Bros. Seale, Sizemore, and Ihle had a very pleasant visit with the Marafies and conducted them on a personal tour of the House of the Temple.

New Joint Scottish Rite Web Site

Public visibility is a key element for the success of Freemasonry today, and in January, the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the Scottish Rite, in cooperation with the Southern Jurisdiction, launched a new Web site “Scottish Rite Freemasonry, United States of America” at www.scottishriteamerica.org. The Scottish Rite double-headed eagle logo and American flag draw immediate recognition, and simply by clicking on “Northern Jurisdiction” or “Southern Jurisdiction,” the person is linked to the Web site of either Scottish Rite Jurisdiction.

Freedoms Foundation of Valley Forge Summer Seminar

As in several past years, the Supreme Council will co-sponsor an American History Seminar at Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. The theme of the summer 2004 program, August 3-8, is “Issues in American Politics.” With the pivotal Presidential, Congressional, and State elections fast approaching, this course will brief attendees on a variety of current topics, including the presidential nomination and election process, campaign finance reform, congressional federalism in the 21st century, the politics of national security, and the debate over Social Security and medical reform. Experts in each field will present timely papers and invite discussion. The seminar is an excellent way for educators to hone their understanding of current events, often gaining credit toward teaching certification or an advanced degree, depending on the guidelines of their particular academic program.
Tuition ($1,000) includes double-occupancy housing and meals. As soon as possible, interested persons should contact the Secretary of their Valley. Attendees are expected to pay $100 of the tuition. The Supreme Council and Freedoms Foundation will share the remaining tuition cost of $900, and sponsoring Valleys must agree to pay for an attendee’s transportation to and from the seminar.
The Freedoms Foundation American History Seminar is an excellent way for our Order to advance its tenets of citizen education and support of the public school system. Please contact the Grand Executive Director’s office: Tel: 202-232-3579, ext. 121; Fax: 202-464-0487; or e-mail: Grandexec@srmason-sj.org to obtain an informative brochure or additional information.

Ill. Roy Clark Presents Tulsa RiteCare Benefit Concert

On January 31, 2003, Ill. Roy Clark and his band performed in the Tulsa Scottish Rite Temple’s auditorium. During the fund-raising concert in support of the Tulsa RiteCare clinic, Ill. Joseph C. Jennings, Jr., SGIG in Oklahoma (left above), presented Clark (center) a plaque naming him “Goodwill Ambassador of Scottish Rite Freemasonry.” Ill. Raymond H. Fisher (right), chairman of the event, joined the full-house audience in applauding this outstanding entertainer, American, and Mason.

Photo: Jerry L. Cornelius, KCCH, Tulsa, Okla.

Roy Linwood Clark, 33°, country music legend and a premier American goodwill ambassador, packed the Tulsa Scottish Rite auditorium on January 31, 2004, when he presented a benefit concert for the Tulsa Valley’s RiteCare Childhood Language Clinic.
Clark, who makes his home in Tulsa, was raised a Master Mason in Jenks Lodge #497, Jenks, Oklahoma. He received the 32° and was elected President of his Class in the Valley of Tulsa on July 16, 1988. Invested with the KCCH in October, 1997, he was coroneted a 33° at the Bicentennial Supreme Council Session at Charleston, South Carolina, in October, 2001, where he served as the Exemplar for the Class.
Adding to Clark’s long history of United States Goodwill Ambassador honors, Ill. Joseph C. Jennings, Jr., SGIG in Oklahoma, presented Clark a plaque naming him “Goodwill Ambassador of Scottish Rite Freemasonry.” Ill. Clark was introduced by event chairman Raymond H. Fisher, 33°, as the show got off to a fast start and never let up for the next hour and a half of old favorites such as “Yesterday When I Was Young” and “Love Takes Two.” In addition to singing and playing himself, Ill. Clark’s eight-piece backup band provided a variety of music types including Country & Western and Blue Grass. Brother Clark’s closing number, which he termed the “complete and unabridged” version of “Orange Blossom Special,” featured Clark playing the fiddle and brought the audience to a prolonged standing ovation.
Clark’s generous donation of his and his band’s time and talent, along with other donations and ticket sales for the performance, resulted in net proceeds of just over $17,000 to benefit Tulsa’s RiteCare Clinic.Thank you, Brother Roy!

Submitted by Jerry L. Cornelius, KCCH Tulsa, Okla., S. R. Bodies

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, RiteCare Clinic Dedicated

The new Baton Rouge Scottish Rite Childhood Learning Center is built in the welcoming style of a Louisiana cottage. Attending the clinic dedication on May 17, 2003, were (l. to r.): Lloyd G. Pence, 33°, Secretary, Baton Rouge; Beverly J. Guillot, KCCH, Clinic Administrator; C. Lenton Sartain, 33°, Chairman, Baton Rouge Childhood Learning Center; Dr. Alicia Mendoza; Shirley and Joe A. Stroud, 33°; and Grand Commander Ronald A. Seale.

Fort Scott, Kansas, Scottish Rite Hosts Great Race 2004

Brothers Keith F. Evans, Jr., KCCH, and Keith A. Jeffers, KCCH, Valley of Fort Scott, respectively Chairman and Host of the Fort Scott/Great Race Lunch Stop Committee and the Racer Sponsorship Committee, are working to make the Scottish Rite a popular focal point of The Great Race as it stops in downtown Fort Scott on June 23. In 2004, the annual two-week, 4,000-mile, cross-country event will feature more than 100 vintage vehicles, each at least 45 years old. Fort Scott’s Scottish Rite Brethren will welcome the Great Racers and general public to the Temple, which is located in the Fort Scott’s historic downtown area. Visitors will find a wide variety of food and craft booths as well as fun activities for all visitors. What a great way to showcase our Fraternity!

Thirty-third Degree Conferred on Congressman John S. Tanner

On March 23, 2004, in a special ceremony in the House of the Temple, Grand Commander Ronald A. Seale (center) conferred the 33° on Congressman John S. Tanner (right) with the participation of Ill. Tanner’s good Congressional friend, Congressman C. A. “Dutch” Ruppersberger, 33° (left).

Photo: Elizabeth A. Williams
The Scottish Rite Journal

Congressman John Sumners Tanner was elected to the 33° during the 2003 Biennial Session but could not attend the conferral of the Degree on October 7. Thus, Grand Commander Ronald A. Seale personally conducted a conferral of the Degree for Ill. Tanner on March 23, 2004, in the House of the Temple. Congressman Tanner (Democrat, 8th Congressional District, Tennessee) is serving his eighth term in the House of Representatives and is on the influential Ways and Means Committee. As a special honor, Grand Commander Seale asked Congressman C. A. “Dutch” Ruppersberger, 33° (Democrat, 2nd Congressional District, Maryland), who was present for the ceremony along with several 33° staff members of the Supreme Council, to place the white cap on Congressman Tanner.
When offered the opportunity to comment on the occasion, Ill. Tanner quoted President Kennedy’s famous words as the guiding principle of his life: “God’s work on the Earth must be our own.” He also told the assembled Brethren that he intends to fulfill the high ideals of the 33° through his work in Congress. Grand Commander Seale expressed his pride in our dedicated Brethren in Congress on both sides of the political aisle.
Born in Halls, Tennessee, in 1944, Congressman Tanner has a Juris Doctor from the University of Tennessee, served in the U. S. Navy, 1968-72, and is a member of the Disciples of Christ Church. A Brother in Western Sun Lodge #88, Troy, Tennessee, and, since 1993, a Scottish Rite member in the Valley of Memphis, he is also a member of the Chymia Shrine Temple and the York Rite of Union City, Tennessee. Ill. Tanner’s elevation to the rank of Inspector General Honorary is fitting recognition of his outstanding service to America, Masonry, and the Scottish Rite.

The index for the 2003 Scottish Rite Journal is available. It and indexes from previous years may be ordered for $3.50 each. Please send remittance payable to the Supreme Council to: Grand Executive Director, The Supreme Council, 1733 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009-3103.