Ronald A. Seale, 33°, Sovereign Grand Commander

There are new classes, new initiatives, and people meeting people
and doing good things with their Masonry.

Do you remember the significant first time experiences in your life? Your first day in school? Your first car—the one that was really yours? Your first date? How about that first kiss? Better change direction here. How about your first job? The birth of your first child? All of these are life-changing moments that will be ever ingrained in our memories.
Fly fishermen will always remember that cool fall morning in a clear mountain river when they landed the first of many trout that would forever addict them to their hobby of fly fishing. And, at a small airport just down the road, the young pilot will never forget lifting off the runway on his first solo flight and experiencing the thrill of flying into the sun as he climbed higher and higher. The post-graduate student who has spent many, many, months in preparation of her dissertation and countless hours in the library and in online research will never forget walking those few but very significant steps across a stage to receive a handshake, a diploma, and the ringing words, “Congratulations, Doctor.” These are memories of a lifetime.

As you read this issue of the Scottish Rite Journal, I have just completed presiding over my first Biennial Session as Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme Council for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States. Granted, it was not as significant as my first kiss with Susan Anderson, but it was nevertheless an important moment—one that will be long remembered.

It was a distinct honor and privilege to have been in this position and to have had this opportunity. It was a “first time experience,” one that will be long remembered. Over these past several days as I have rested and reflected over the Session, several things are apparent to me.
First, the Scottish Rite has a great asset in its headquarters staff. These people are real pros when it comes to organizing and executing an event such as a Biennial Session. It’s not just that they have done it many times before, but they also have open minds and are receptive to new ways of doing things. No detail was too small for attention and concern. As I write these words, I can see the faces of these many people, men and women on our staff, working hard to make the Session a memorable experience for all who attended. The weekends, the late nights, the hectic schedule with last minute changes were obstacles that might have intimidated a lesser crowd. Not this bunch. With good cheer and a bit of elbow grease they made it happen. To each one of them I say a heart felt “Thank You” on behalf of the entire Southern Jurisdiction—you’re the best!

Second, I am encouraged as I see a future of good tidings for the Craft. Surely, we all know about “the numbers”—the deaths, the demits, the declines in many areas. If we wish, we can focus our concentration on the negatives until we are convinced that the time has come to lock the door, turn out the lights, and move on to a more productive endeavor. Indeed, and unfortunately, some choose to follow this course. But while the naysayers shout “Nay,” others are busy about the work of the Craft. Throughout the land, I see a resurgence of interest and positive developments in local Lodges, Scottish Rite Valleys, and other appendant organizations. Daily, my email brings word of new classes, new initiatives, and people meeting people and doing good things with their Masonry. Nowhere was this more evident than at our Biennial Session where I saw good men coming together in fraternal fellowship, sharing ideas, enthusiasm, and returning home ready to continue the work. Do we have a future? You bet!

Finally, great work remains to be done. If Freemasonry is to regain its prominence in the coming years, and if Scottish Rite, in particular, is to continue its role as the communicator of Masonic knowledge and wisdom, we must have a plan, an organized approach to our future endeavors. In this regard, I am most pleased that the Southern Jurisdiction in Biennial Session has adopted a strategic plan that will soon be seen and studied throughout the Jurisdiction. Styled “Building Our Future on the Traditions of the Past,” our goal-oriented plan seeks to draw on the best of our past and our strengths, while at the same time looking to the future with a realistic eye as we meet the challenges that undoubtedly lie ahead.

Yes, our Biennial Session was an exciting time—surely one of those “first time” experiences. We sit in the House of the Temple now, amid the debris of a great party with that morning-after kind of feeling. But it would be a mistake to say that it’s all over. It’s really just beginning.

TO: Members of the Scottish Rite in the Southern Jurisdiction, USA

FROM: Ronald A. Seale

RE: Donations for Hurricane Victims

We are all well aware of the massive destruction and extreme human suffering being experienced in large areas of the Orients of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama resulting from hurricanes Katrina and Rita. For those of us who are moved to respond quickly to the appeals for assistance, it is suggested that donations of funds be made directly to the Salvation Army, Red Cross, or other approved and appropriate charities. However, since the need for help in many of the worst hit areas will be long-standing, you may wish to send donations to the Scottish Rite Foundation, S.J., USA, Inc., 1733 16th Street, N.W. Washington, DC, 20009, for further disbursement as recommended by the Orient Leaders of the afflicted areas. In addition to any funds donated to the Supreme Council for payment to the affected Orients, the Scottish Rite Foundation will make a sizeable donation from present funds.