During a visit on July 28, 2004, to the House of the Temple in Washington, D.C., Ill. Robert J. Dole, 33°, Grand Cross (right center), received a check for $50,000 from Grand Commander Ronald A. Seale, 33° (left center). Thanks to the generosity of the Brethren of the Southern Jurisdiction, each year, for up to 20 years, the Scottish Rite Foundation, S.J., will contribute $50,000 to the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund of Scholarship America in support of 9/11 disaster victims. Also pictured are: Ill. Earl E. Ihle, Jr., 33°, G.C.,former Director of Developement (far left); and Ill. William G. Sizemore, 33°, G.C., Grand Executive Director (far right).

Natural disasters – fires, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes – can be terrifying devastations, but they have a way of pulling a community together as it responds to the destruction. Masons have always heard and attended to the cries of the afflicted, and they continue to do so today. They may respond as national Masonic organizations, local lodges, or individual Masons, but they respond.

Recent disaster relief provided by the Supreme Council has included a scholarship fund created for those affected by the September 11 disaster. The massive destruction and extreme human suffering being experienced in large areas of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama resulting from hurricanes Katrina and Rita was of great concern to the Scottish Rite. For those of us who were moved to respond quickly to the appeals for assistance, it was 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.

The Supreme Council often responds directly to provide immediate relief, and it also works alongside other Masonic groups to provide additional assistance. For instance, Scottish Rite supports the Masonic Service Association of North America (MSANA) for disaster relief. The MSANA was formed in 1919 to provide services to its member Grand Lodges that they would find difficult to provide for themselves. Since 1923, the MSA has collected and forwarded funds for disasters around the world. When a disaster relief appeal is made, all of the monies received are sent, in their entirety, to the jurisdiction involved. No portion of donated funds is retained by the MSANA for any reason whatsoever. All costs connected with the appeal are absorbed through our regular operating budget. All donated funds are given to help the recovery within the jurisdiction for whom the appeal was made. Also, every gift is acknowledged by the MSANA.

For additional information on disaster relief at the MSA, contact The Masonic Service Association of North America, 8120 Fenton Street, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910-4785 Tel: (301) 588-4010  Fax: (301) 608-3457 email: msana@ix.netcom.com; http://www.msana.com/index.htm