H. Ross Perot Receives Anson Jones Award

Pictured left to right: James D. Ward, 33°, Chairman of the Fort Worth Valley, H. Ross Perot, Margot Perot, and H. F. Tull, 33°, General Secretary. Photo: Fort Worth Business Press

The Fort Worth Scottish Rite Foundation held its Grand Annual Banquet on May 21 with 280 members and guests attending at the Fort Worth Masonic Temple for the presentation of scholarships and the prestigious Anson Jones Award. Each year, one or more persons (not necessarily from the Masonic fraternity) are chosen for their humanitarian endeavors and outstanding citizenship to receive the Anson Jones Award.

The Award is named for Anson Jones, who was the first Grand Master of Texas and last president of the Republic of Texas.

The Anson Jones Award has been presented for 22 years to such prominent recipients as Abner V. McCall, Texas Supreme Court Justice and President of Baylor University; Dr. Lucius Waites, originator of Dyslexia training and testing program at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children; Jack E. Hightower, former U.S. Congressman, former Texas Supreme Court Justice, and SGIG in Texas; Sam E. Hilburn, chairman Midland American Bank and former SGIG in Texas; Robert R. “Bobby” Bragan, “Mr. Baseball” with Texas Rangers; Robert D. “Bob” Bullock, Lt. Governor of Texas; Dr. John A. Herring, chief Surgeon, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children; James C. Wright, former Speaker of the House of Representatives; and Doyle Willis, former Texas Senator.

This year the award was presented to H. Ross Perot, businessman and philanthropist, by Ill. James D. Ward, 33°, President of the Fort Worth Scottish Rite Foundation. The Fort Worth Valley also presented forty scholarships totaling $40,000 to merit students and $11,200 four-year scholarships to the Valedictorian and Salutatorian of the Texas Masonic Home and School. Since 1952 the Valley has given over $500,000 to area graduating seniors.

Submitted by Brother Dan Gilbert, 32°, KCCH

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Pelican Chapter of DeMolay visits House of the Temple

Members of Pelican Chapter, Louisiana, Order of DeMolay, who conferred the DeMolay Degree at the House of the Temple on May 21, 2005. Front row, left to right: Byron Traylor, Ryker Taylor, Patrick Jones, Nick Aguirre; back row, left to right: Aaron Russell, Tim Parrott, John Potts Jr., Nicholas Easterly. Photo: Elizabeth A. Williams, The Scottish Rite Journal

Pelican Chapter of DeMolay from Louisiana visited the House of the Temple on May 21, 2005. This was the high point of their Chapter trip to Washington. They visited other notable buildings and monuments, but only here did they exemplify the DeMolay Degree in the solemnly impressive Temple room. Accompanied by Bro. Kristoffer Easterly, 32°, Chapter Dad, Miss Lauren Russell, Chapter Sweetheart, and several parents, the DeMolays gave a stirring performance for the House of the Temple staff.

The DeMolay Degree is a striking reenactment of Jacques DeMolay’s last questioning by the Inquisitors and his refusal to betray his comrades or the Order of Knights Templar. Participating in the Degree were Byron Traylor, Master Inquisitor, Orator, and State Master Councilor of Louisiana; Ryker Taylor, Guy of Auvergne and Chapter Sr. Steward; Patrick Jones, Sr. Guard and Chapter Jr. Councilor-elect; Nick Aguirre, Lord Constable and member; Aaron Russell, Sr. Inquisitor and Chapter Sr. Councilor; Tim Parrott, Jacques DeMolay and Chapter Master Councilor; John Potts Jr., Marshal of the Commission and Chapter Master Councilor-elect; and Nicholas Easterly, Jr. Inquisitor and State Sr. Councilor of Louisiana.

Following the dramatic presentation of the degree, The DeMolay members took a moment to crown their Chapter Sweetheart, Miss Lauren Russell. Making the entire event especially memorable was the presence of SGC Ronald A. Seale, 33°, Past Master Councilor of Pelican Chapter. After the degree, crowning, and remarks, the DeMolays adjourned to the banquet hall for a barbecue lunch.

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Photos: Rudi Williams

WASHINGTON, July 29, 2005 – When Bro. Charles “Charlie” J. Chibitty, 32°, the last World War II Comanche code talker, was buried July 26, a friend wrote in the eulogy, “Charlie’s life has no foreshadowing or ending. As long as wind blows, his life and legacy will continue to twist and turn along courses only wild horses know.”

Bro. Chibitty died July 20 in Tulsa, Okla., at age 83. He was invited to the Pentagon three times—in 1992, 1999, and 2002—in honor of his service to the nation as a World War II code talker. He, along with 16 other Comanche Indians, was part of an Army company of code talkers who befuddled the Germans during the invasion of the beaches of Normandy, France.

During his 2002 Pentagon visit, Bro. Chibitty said his unit hit Utah Beach in Normandy “the first or second day after D-Day.” His first radio message was sent to another code talker on an incoming boat. Translated into English, it said: “Five miles to the right of the designated area and five miles inland, the fighting is fierce and we need help.”

“ We were trying to let them know where we were so they wouldn’t lob no shells on us,” he explained with a chuckle. “I was with the 22nd Infantry Regiment of the 4th Infantry Division. We talked Indian and sent messages when need be. It was quicker to use telephones and radios to send messages, because Morse code had to be decoded and the Germans could decode them. We used telephones and radios to talk Indian, then wrote it in English and gave it to the commanding officer.”

The Comanche Indians frustrated enemy code breakers by translating Army messages into their native language. The enemy never broke the “code.”

Bro. Chibitty enlisted in the Army in January 1941. He earned the World War II Victory Medal, European Theater of Operations Victory Medal with five bronze stars, Europe-African Middle East Campaign Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. In 1989, the French government honored the Comanche code talkers by presenting them the Chevalier of the National Order of Merit.

He was presented the Knowlton Award, created by the Military Intelligence Association, in 1995 to recognize significant contributions to military efforts. In April 2003, Chibitty attended the dedication ceremony for a monument to Choctaw and Comanche code talkers of World War I and World War II at Camp Beauregard in Pineville, La., where he trained during World War II. When he visited the Pentagon in 1992, then-Defense Secretary Dick Cheney presented him a certificate of appreciation for his service to the country. Chibitty also received a special proclamation from the governor of Oklahoma, who honored him for his contributions to that state and the nation.

Bro. Chibitty was Raised a Master Mason on October 26, 1951, in Petroleum Lodge No. 474 in Tulsa, which merged with Millennium Lodge No. 543. He joined the Guthrie Scottish Rite in 1954, and affiliated with the Valley of Tulsa in 1974. Bro. Chibitty received his 50-year membership award from the Valley of Tulsa in 2004. He is survived by two adopted daughters, Carrie V. Wilson and Lacey Chibitty, two grandsons, Chebon Chibitty and Acey Chibitty, and a number of nieces and nephews.

Edited from an article by Rudi Williams
American Forces Press Service

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On Sunday, April 17, 2005, the Columbia, S.C., Scottish Rite bodies participated in the Columbia Chapter of the Military Order of World Wars 12th annual “Massing of the Colors” at the Scottish Rite Temple in Columbia, S.C. The event had forty-three participating flag teams that came from all branches of the military services, active and retired, including the American Legion, Military Order of Purple Hearts, National Sojourners, Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, D.A.V., College and High School ROTC programs, Fraternal and Civic Organizations, Columbia Police Department, Rainbow Girls, Boy Scouts, a 6-year old Cub Scout Troop, and more. There were over 150 flags presented and posted with every branch of our armed forces being represented and honored.

The Orient of South Carolina can take exceptional pride in the fact that so many of those participating were Scottish Rite members and particularly that several of their members began this program. Lt. Col. Wayne C. Smith Jr., 33°, the 1993 Commander of the Columbia Chapter, Military Order of World Wars, wanted to help instill pride, patriotism, and Americanism. He instituted this program, which is now observed in other parts of the state. Col. Arthur R. Datnoff, 33°, was also instrumental in starting this program and has acted as Master of Ceremonies since its inception.

The ceremonies began when a brother marched in playing the bag pipes. He later played “Amazing Grace” during the ceremonies. Fort Jackson’s 282nd Army “Victory” Band provided the music for the ceremony. Dr. Richard Conant, Professor Emeritus at the University of South Carolina School of Music sang “The Star Spangled Banner,” “America the Beautiful,” “America,” and led the audience in singing “God Bless America.”

The Valley of Columbia was also represented by Lt. Col. John R. Marcucci, 33°, Chairman of the Committee and Rev. and Lt. Col. Hugh J. Bickley, 32°, Chaplain. Columbia York Rite members Ill. Joseph L. McGee, 33°; and Bros. N. Haskell Brabham, PGC; James C. Clifford, 32°; Lawrence E. Schoff, 32°, KCCH; and O. B. Sharp, 32°, presented the colors for Columbia Commandery No. 2, K.T. Ill. Johnnie Morris, 33°; and Bros. Mike Broom, 32°, KCCH; Charles Schofield, 32°; and Todd Schofield, 32°, KCCH, presented the colors for Myrtle Lodge No. 3, Knights of Pythias. Bros. Mike Harman, 32°; and CWO George Senft, 32°, presented the colors for Fort Jackson Chapter No. 184, National Sojourners, and Bro. Senft did an exceptional rendition of the “Toast to the Flag.” Also present were MW Jack A. Marler, 33°, Grand Master of Masons in South Carolina; Ill. Bros. I. Lewis Langley, 33°; and Glenn Smith, 33°; and Bros. Ronald Mitchum, 32°, KCCH, Deputy Grand Master; Gerald Carver, 32°, Sr. Grand Warden; Aubrey Haynes, 32°, Grand High Priest, RAM of S.C.; Richard L. Swecker, 32°, KCCH; and Craig Cagle, 32°, KCCH. Ill. Michael Smith, 33°, SGIG in South Carolina, was present and made the facilities available for the more than 300 patriotic citizens in attendance.

There was excellent media coverage for the Massing of the Colors, which featured Brig.Gen. Gina S. Farrisee, USA, giving the main address and a number of honored guests such as the Hon. Joan Brady, S.C. House of Representatives; Maj. Gen. James B. Allen, USA retired; Col. Michael O. Beal, USAF; and Col. Charles P. Murray, USA retired, Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. The Valley of Columbia encourages the other bodies of the Southern Jurisdiction to participate in patriotic endeavors such as this and get out and “Show us your Colors.”

Submitted by Ill. Johnnie T. Morris, 33°

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On June 2 the safe in the vault at the office of the Grand Lodge of California was opened, and it was discovered that the briefcase with the Grand Lodge Officers Jewels was missing. The San Francisco Police were called, and an investigation was launched into what appears to be a theft of the jewels. They were locked in the safe by the Grand Tiler on October 14, 2004, and disappeared some time between October 14 and June 2.The Grand Lodge is doing everything possible to assist the police with their recovery. Through the police department all the usual venues for the possible disposition of stolen property have been checked, and continue to be monitored. Grand Master David R. Doan, 33°, asks if Masons should see these jewels offered for sale they should immediately contact Grand Secretary John L. Cooper III, 33°, 415-776-7000, jlciii@pacbell.net. For images of the missing jewels, please click here.

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Central High School Scottish Rite Jr. ROTC Award

Central High School in Springfield, Massachusetts, is headquarters for the Massachusetts 11th Air Force Junior ROTC Group, and Col. Thomas E. Cleland, Jr., USAF retired, chairs their Aerospace Science Department. Central High School is a proud participant in the Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction, JROTC Education and Americanism Award. This year’s recipient was Cadet Andrew Young, shown receiving his award from Mr. Tad Tokars, Assistant Principal, Central High School.

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Pictured from left to right: Ruth Owens, Leah Wilhelmsen, Nancy Shircliff, Curtis N. Lancaster, 33°, Paul G. Shircliff, 33°, Hans Wilhelmsen, 33°, and Bennie G. Owens, 33°

The Valley of Cumberland, Maryland, held their annual ladies night on May 7, 2005, at the Ali Ghan Shrine Club in Cumberland. Their special guest for the evening was Ill. Curtis N. Lancaster, 33°, Lt. Grand Commander and SGIG in Utah. Ill. Lancaster was welcomed by Dr. Hans R. Wilhelmsen, 33°, SGIG in Maryland, and his wife Leah, Ill. Paul G. Shircliff, 33°, Personal Representative for Cumberland, and his wife Nancy, and M.W. Bennie G. Owens, PGM, 33°, Personal Representative for Maryland, and his wife Ruth. This is the first time in the 105-year history of the Valley of Cumberland that a Lt. Grand Commander has visited. Ill. Lancaster came from his home in Syracuse, Utah, and enjoyed the warm hospitality of the Old Line State.

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American Military Scottish Rite Bodies Award $2,000 Scholarship

Recently, the Hohenfels American High School in Hohenfels, Germany, selected Kristin Donovan to receive a $2,000 Scholarship from the American Military Scottish Rite Bodies, Orient of NATO Bases.

Kristin is the daughter of Sean Donovan and Arlana Young. Kristin will be attending the State University of New York at Oneonta, New York, where she plans to study Fashion Merchandising. Kristin comes from Booneville, California. She has one sister, Caitlin Donovan who attends University of California at Riverside, California. Kristin has been a student of the Hohenfels American High School since the 7th grade, where she has made outstanding contributions to the Hohenfels American High School and her community.

Submitted by Clyde A. Barton, 32°,KCCH, Assistant Secretary, AMSRB

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What’s the difference between A.F.&A.M. and F.&A.M.? In a word, nothing (and in a letter, A). A.F.&A.M. is an abbreviation for “Ancient, Free, and Accepted Masons” while F.&A.M. stands for “Free and Accepted Masons.” There are no significant differences in ritual or governance (except Pennsylvania ritual, but that’s another story). It is popularly believed that A.F.&A.M. lodges are descended from the Grand Lodge of “Ancients” in England and that F.&A.M. lodges come from the “Moderns.” Such is not the case. Coil’s Masonic Encyclopedia notes that the differences between the Ancients and the Moderns “were not understood in America and none too well in England, so that the significance of the names was often not observed; in addition lodges of one variety often displaced or merged into lodges of the other variety, and a name was adopted without thought of technical accuracy.” Making it even more confusing, South Carolina is A.F.M., “Ancient Free Masons,” the District of Columbia is F.A.A.M., “Free And Accepted Masons,” and some Grand Lodges, North Carolina, for example, originally called themselves A.Y.M., “Ancient York Masons.” The only place where there is some consistency of names is with Prince Hall Lodges. In the 1950s most Prince Hall Grand Lodges renamed themselves, “Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, F.&A.M. of [State],” and thus nearly all Prince Hall Lodges are F.&A.M.

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