Photo: Elizabeth A. Williams, The Scottish Rite Journal

On September 9, 2004, Grand Commander Ronald A. Seale, 33°, was very pleased to welcome Brother William J. “Butch” Giles, Jr., KCCH, to the House of the Temple for a tour of the building and a special luncheon served in his honor in the reading room of the Robert Burns Library. While touring the Temple, the Grand Commander and Bro. Giles paused (photo right) at the oil painting of Bro. Giles which was recently installed in the new Pillars of Charity Portrait Gallery. Other members of the Supreme Council staff joining the tour and attending the luncheon were: Ill. Bros. William G. Sizemore, Grand Cross, Grand Executive Director; Earl E. Ihle, Jr., Director of Development; John W. Boettjer, Grand Cross, Managing Editor, Scottish Rite Journal; and Barbara Golden, Director of Planned Giving.

In recognition of his generous gift of $1 million to the Scottish Rite Foundation, Southern Jurisdiction, Bro. Giles was also honored by having his portrait on the front cover of the September-October 2004 Scottish Rite Journal along with a biographical article in the same issue. Bro. Giles has been an active member, Secretary, and Worshipful Master (2001-02) of Baytown Lodge #1357, Baytown, Texas, and a dynamic participant in the Valley of Houston, Texas, as well as many other Masonic Bodies. As Freemasonry has meant so much to him throughout his life, Bro. Giles felt it only fitting to leave a wonderful gift to the Scottish Rite Foundation, S.J., as his lasting legacy and as a tribute to the charitable work of his fellow Scottish Rite Brethren. Thank you, Brother Giles!