4. 2 THE SCOTTISH RITE JOURNAL July/August 2016
neofthechieftenetsorprinciplesofFreema-
sonryinwhichwetakejustifiableprideisourabilityto
meetonacommonlevel.Ithasstoodusingoodstead
formanyyearstointeractwitheach
othersoastomeasureouractions
bytheplumbandto square ourac-
tionswiththebrethren.Insomany
respects,thisdefinesthecharacter
andpurposeofaFreemason.To
thatend,weareadmonishedtobe
charitableinjudgingthethoughts,
motives,andactionsofothers,es-
peciallyourbrethren,andunderno
circumstancesshouldwe permitthe
sectariandiscussionofpoliticalpointsofvieworreligiouspersua-
sionsto enterourdeliberationswithintheFraternity. Thisis wise
counselandis to assure that peaceandharmonyshouldbe,and
alwaysremain,thechiefstrengthandsupportofallwell-regulated
institutions,especiallyFreemasonry. Ihaveheardthesethoughts
expressedsomanytimesthatthewordsrolloffthetonguefrom
habit, andoften,perchance,withoutmuchthoughttotheincipi-
entwisdomthereincontained.
Peace—harmony—charity—square dealing—mutual
respect—limits on my right to criticize or judge. Noble senti-
ments all! Such words are so often heard that if we are not care-
ful they can become just that—words with no real summons to
alter our conduct with their timeless precepts. We hear but do
we listen? Until those “concepts” become a call to action and
we act upon what we have heard, the true Freemasonry has yet
to fully embrace us.
Freemasonry makes good men better. Maybe so. Has it
made me better? That’s the question.
A case in point: we are in an election year in the United
States. Does this process bring out my better nature or call
me to descend to the lowest common denominator? With
the 24-hour news cycle and the delivery of “breaking news”
every hour on the hour, what do I discover invading my space
and my consciousness? What am I seeing and hearing? More
importantly, what am I thinking? How does the emotionally
charged atmosphere of charges and counter charges, raised
voices, and pointing fingers affect my mind and heart? How
do I respond to others that genuinely hold views with which
I disagree? How can I disagree and yet accord others their
beliefs without passing judgment upon their ultimate worth as
an individual and citizen?
Indeed there are those of all political persuasions that would
seek advantage in discord, contentiousness, and distrust. Dis-
sonant voices raised to a roar and placards held high become
the order of the day. Conflict and confrontation are the tools of
the trade. Pay attention to political candidates from across the
spectrum and you might notice that all candidates are nearly
unanimous in their use of the word fight. I’m “fighting” for you. I
will take the “fight” to Washington or the statehouse. I will “fight”
for _______. No longer do we contend or advocate for a posi-
tion but we are called to gird up our loins and “fight.”
Into this culture we are called upon to live our days, and the
quaint claim of Freemasons to act by the plumb and part upon
the square seems to be drowned out by the cacophony of com-
peting interests and agendas. Why seek consensus when we
can “fight?” Our call to be calm, to deliberate, to consider one’s
actions and how they manage to lift up or oppress our fellow-
man, seems foreign to our days, and Freemasonry is relegated
to the fraternity of “once was and once did.”
And,yet,thereremainssomeofuswhostillbelieveinthe
visionandoptimismoftheMasonicclaimtobrotherhoodand
equanimity. There arethosewhoseethevalueoftheMasonicphi-
losophyandtheupwardpathtoanenlightenedfraternitywhere
allgoodmenarewelcomedandacceptedhowevertheymaydiffer
theologicallyorpolitically.ParaphrasingJosephFortNewton,we
arethoseindividualswhoseeworthineveryfaiththat claimsto
seemajesticmeaninginlife,andaffirmsthevalidityofeveryman
focusingstillonhispotentialratherthanhisshortcomings.
Masonry still has a role to play, perhaps greater than ever
before. In the words of the ancient prophet Jeremiah:
Thus says the Lord:
Stand at the crossroads and look,
and ask for the ancient paths,
where the good way lies; and walk in it
and find rest for your souls.
—Jeremiah 6:16
May it be your portion to hear
and to act passionately on what you
have heard.
and
Ronald A. Seale, 33°
5. July/August 2016 THE SCOTTISH RITE JOURNAL 3
2 016 S C O T T I S H R I T E W O R K S H O P S
Dean R. Alban, 33°, Director of Membership Services
The 2016 Scottish Rite Workshops ended on a high note with over
230 brothers attending the final workshop in Charlotte, NC. From all
points across the Southern Jurisdiction, all three workshops were well
attended and struck a positive chord with attendees.
Titled “VMAP: Enhancing a Successful Formula,” the workshops
focused on the Valley Membership Achievement Project more com-
monly known as VMAP. The goal was to discuss VMAP for 2015 and
how to improve it. VMAP was created entirely by the Scottish Rite
brethren who participated in the 2014 Scottish Rite Regional Leader-
ship Workshops. VMAP is designed to help every Valley provide its
members with a superior Scottish Rite experience by providing every
member with working tools for planning and promoting activities to
engage and involve every member in the life and work of their Valley.
Although many came to the workshops to learn how to improve their Valleys,
many came away with a renewed sense of why they joined Freemasonry and the
Scottish Rite. Judging by the attendees’ comments presented here, the VMAP
initiativeisworking.Ourleadersandfutureleadersarethinkingininnovativeways
of improving the Scottish Rite—the ultimate goal for the 2016 workshops.
2016 WORKSHOPS TAKEAWAYS
“THIS IS THE 2ND VMAP
CONFERENCE I’VE HAD THE
PRIVILEGE OF ATTENDING, and I
enjoyed learning new things and having my ideas
validated by the brethren in attendance. The
biggest take away this time was the importance of
challenging members to achieve new things and
providing a structure or road map for doing that.
Members of the Rite are drawn to our organization
because they are seeking further Light and
substantial experiences.... Only
by teamwork is the experience
enhanced, not just for the new
Scottish Rite member, but for all
Scottish Rite brothers as well. For if
you as an individual are involved and
working with others, the enjoyment
and the mystic tie of brotherhood are
Freemasonry grows for everyone.”
—Bro. Richard S. Nowacki, 32°, Valley of Portland, OR
“THE WORKSHOP WAS
ONE OF THE SIMPLEST
AND MOST EFFECTIVE
meetings I have had the
opportunity to attend.
We had a healthy mix of
excellent facilitators who
helped us learn a lot of
new best practices and left
us with takeaways that will
atmosphere created was
very comfortable and conducive
to my growth as an individual,
and I have since come back as a
motivated person.”
—Bro. Matt B. Mahan, 32°
Valley of Corinth, MS
“THE BEST PART of the 2016
VMAP Workshop was getting the
opportunity to meet and have good
discussions with brothers from
across the Southern Jurisdiction....
decline in membership, but more importantly
the main question that we must ask ourselves is
‘Why are we here? How can we get Freemasonry
to appeal to young prospects, yet retain the
historical integrity and value ...?’ That is our
ultimate dilemma. Finally, we must remember
our mission statement; it does not matter how
impressive we make our degrees if we fail to
make the lessons they teach perfectly clear.
—Bro. John Walter Sayne, 32°
2016 Scottish Rite Fellow, Valley of Knoxville, TN
6. 4 THE SCOTTISH RITE JOURNAL July/August 2016
C E L E B R A T I N G T H E C R A F T
Jess Blossfeld, Development
Communications & Events Coordinator
C
elebrating the Craft 2016 was a HUGE suc-
cess and we could not have done it without you!
Intotal,weraisedalmost$1.1millionandarestill
receiving calls to donate! Of our gifts, almost $250 thou-
sand was designated to be shared with the RiteCare Scot-
tishRiteChildhoodLanguageProgram.Thisyear’stalent
and special guests were exceptional examples of what it
means to be a Scottish Rite Mason. We’re proud to pres-
ent a quick summary of an amazing night!
Celebrating the Craft (CTC) 2016 raised $1.1 million
for the RiteCare Scottish Rite Childhood Language
Program and Rebuilding the Temple Campaign,
bringing our CTC-to-date fundraising total to $5
million! To all those who have given of your
time, money, and efforts thus far,
THANK YOU.
No worries! The full show and individual talent
performances are online at scottishrite.org!
FLAVIO APRO, 32°
Valley of Orange County, CA‚
Classical Guitarist*
DESMOND BLAIR, 32°
Valley of Dallas, TX‚
Painter
KERMIT BROCK, 32°
Valley of Waco, TX‚ Bagpiper,
Cowboys of Kintyre
JERRY A. CASEY, 32°
Valley of Waco, TX‚ Drummer,
Cowboys of Kintyre
FIVE YEARS& WE’RE STILL CELEBRATING!
Elvis tribute artist Bro. Frank
Raines, KCCH, celebrates his
victory as this year’s Favorite
Talent “King” style.
1 million
nguage
aign,
to $5
YOUR
2016
TALENT!
Stephanie Gatti and Bro. Michael Gatti, 32°,
perform a CTC first—country swing dancing!
Missed the Webcast?
7. July/August 2016 THE SCOTTISH RITE JOURNAL 5
Photography:
Bethany J. Rowe
(unless otherwise
indicated)
STEPHANIE & MICHAEL
GATTI, 32°, Valley of
Phoenix, AZ‚ Swing Dancers
BILL HERRIDGE, KCCH
Valley of Waco, TX‚ Bagpiper,
Cowboys of Kintyre
EDWIN JOSEY, 32°
Valley of Nashville, TN
Guitarist/Vocalist†
LEE E. KIELBLOCK, KCCH
Valley of Minneapolis, MN,
Comedian, Sweet Idiot
J R MACDONALD, MM
Guitarist/Lead Vocalist,
Fellowcraft*
GREG MCEWEN, 33°
Valley of Waco, TX‚ Bagpiper,
Cowboys of Kintyre
JASON CHARLES MILLER,
32°, Valley of Pasadena, CA‚
Guitarist/Vocalist
BRIAN NELSON-PALMER, 32°,
Valley of Wash., DC, Drummer/
Backup Vocalist, Fellowcraft*
OSCAR M. (BONY LOVY)
PAZ, 32°, Valley of San Juan,
PR, Vocalist/Rapper
JOSHUA AARON POOLE, 32°
Valley of Washington, DC‚
Jazz Vocalist*
FRANK RAINES, KCCH
Valley of Washington, DC‚
Elvis Tribute Artist*
BRENT REICHOW, KCCH
Valley of Minneapolis, MN‚
Musical Vocalist*
JOHN WALTER SAYNE, 32°
Valley of Knoxville, TN‚
Pianist/Vocalist
TERRANCE M. SCHAFFER, 32°
Valley of Minneapolis, MN,
Comedian, Sweet Idiot
ALLEN SMITH, 32°
Valley of Atlanta, GA‚
Guitarist/Vocalist*
CASEY STANISLAW, 32°
Valley of Waco, TX‚ Guitarist/
Vocalist, Cowboys of Kintyre*
PAUL THOMPSON, KCCH
Valley of Miami, FL‚
Musical Vocalist†
BRANDON WILLIAMS
Bass/Backup Vocalist,
Fellowcraft
Valley of Waco,f TX‚ Bagpiper,
Cowboys of Kintyref
* Returning finalist † Four-time returning finalist
FAVORITE TALENT WINNER!
8. 6 THE SCOTTISH RITE JOURNAL July/August 2016
VALLEY PARTICIPATION
A very special thanks to the following Valleys for Skyping in to give
their support during the show!
PERSONAL SHOUT-OUTS
We are grateful to the following brothers for going above and beyond to
support CTC!
Ill. Ross Laver, 33°, of Atlanta, GA, flew to DC and made per-
sonal phone calls from the House of Temple to the brothers in his
valley to tune in and donate. Altogether, he raised $4,300!
Ill. Micah Evans, 33°, and the Valley of Omaha host-
ed the KSA national gathering and a special CTC viewing party for
their guests.
Ill. Bill Miller, 33°, SGIG Emeritus of Washington, sent a letter
to the 33°s in his orient and encouraged them to donate $33 for the
next 33 months. He received over 10 pledges from brothers!
CHANDLER R. GORDON
The International Master Councilor of
DeMolay, joined Celebrating the Craft
this year to discuss DeMolay and its
founder Frank S. Land.
EMILY & SHELLY NEAL
Emily, who joined us for CTC 2016
with her mother Shelly, is a RiteCare
SRCLP graduate. Emily is now 13 years
old and winning spelling bees across
West Virginia!
CHRISTINE WANDISHIN
The Coordinator and Speech Language
Pathologist at the RiteCare SRCLP in
Baltimore, MD, Christine (MS, CCC-
SLP) shared her extraordinary experi-
ence helping children progress.
GIL FOX, KCCH
A former radio personality of ABC Radio Net-
works for over 30 years, Bro. Gil (l.) joined us
as a new host this year! During the course of his
forty-five-year career, Bro. Fox has interviewed
three U.S. Presidents, scores of U.S. Senators
and Congressman, CEOs, American and Soviet
astronauts, Nobel Prize winners, and legendary
entertainers. Gil is a member of Marion McDan-
iel Lodge No. 56 in Tucson, AZ.
RUSTY GARRETT, KCCH
Chief weather anchor for KWTX News 10 in
Waco, Texas, Bro. Rusty (r.) joined us again for
his fourth year as host of CTC. He is Past Master
of Fidelis Lodge No. 1127 in Texas and a Knight
Commander Court of Honour in the Waco Scot-
tish Rite Bodies.
OUR SPECIAL GUESTS
YOUR HOSTS
PHOENIX
ORLANDO
& TAMPA
KANSAS
CITY, KS
BATON
ROUGE
RICHMOND
The DC Masonic & Eastern Star Home, Inc. Public Relations Cmte. joined us
early that night to present a check for $10,000! Right (l. to r.) Bros. Marcel J.
Desroches, KCCH; Morgan P. Corr, KCCH; Jack Campbell, 32°, KSA; and Peter
W. Brusoe, KCCH; speak with our phone bank co-hostess Siobhan Connellan.
9. July/August 2016 THE SCOTTISH RITE JOURNAL 7
UNTIL NEXT TIME!
SEEKING 2017 TALENT!
If you have a talent to share, contact jblossfeld@
scottishrite.org to enter next year’s Scottish Rite
Has Talent competition. We welcome all talents
and can’t wait to see what’s in store for next year!
IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO GIVE!
Although the 2016 CTC is over, you still can
give and split your donation 50/50 between the
RiteCare SRCLP and the Rebuilding the Temple
Campaign. We have set up an easy-to-use, online
donation page via fundraise.com:
www.fundraise.com/
Celebrating-the-Craft-2016
High five for a job well done—Talent finalists and
guests close the 2016 CTC with a group medley.
Left: The Valley of Baton
Rouge, Louisiana tweeted
this photograph to
@TheScottishRite. They
took it just before their
Skype call-in to CTC.
(Take due notice of all the
bowties in honor of Sov. Gr.
Cmdr. Ronald A Seale, 33°.)
Photo: Courtesy the Valley of Baton Rouge, LA
10. 8 THE SCOTTISH RITE JOURNAL July/August 2016
S C O T T I S H R I T E H I S T O R Y
Joshua Aaron Poole, 32°, Museum Curator
had the great privilege of traveling to the Scottish Rite
Valley of Chicago for their space-themed spring reunion. Ear-
lier this year, I was contacted by one of their staff members
and asked if we, the Scottish Rite Museum, would be willing
to loan the Scottish Rite flag Ill. “Buzz” Aldrin, 33°, took to the
moon with him in 1969. After Art de Hoyos, Grand Historian
and Grand Archivist, and I dis-
cussed logistics (and after fighting
over who would get to travel to
Chicago to deliver this rare and
one-of-a-kind artifact), we agreed
to loan the flag. The flag was
displayed Friday evening—during
their opening event where Jim
Lovell, the captain of Apollo 13,
was the keynote speaker—and all
day Saturday. On Saturday, I gave
a speech on the flag and its impor-
tance to history and Freemasonry.
Below is the very speech I gave. I
hope you enjoy!
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
ood afternoon all! I am Joshua Poole, the museum cura-
tor, archival associate, and internship director at the Scot-
tish Rite Supreme Council for the Southern Jurisdiction. It is
an honor to be here this weekend to participate in your Spring
Reunion and to get to meet and speak with many of you. I do
want to take the time to thank the Valley of Chicago for inviting
me and for all of their assistance. It is greatly appreciated and I
am thrilled to be here.
Before I go into any details about the flag, I have to tell you
what traveling with this artifact is like. For me, transporting this
artifact was something similar to what you would see in a James
Bond movie. I mean just look at this case. All that’s missing is a
set of handcuffs to cuff it to my hand, a hidden compartment
that shoots out a knife, and some other impressive spy gadget
features. I can only imagine what
people thought I was carrying.
You wouldn’t believe the looks I
received carrying this case.
The date of this artifact is very
fitting to the time period of a
James Bond movie. In 1969, the
Cold War between the USA and
USSR was still raging, America
was still involved with the Viet-
nam War, Space was the new
Wild West, and I wasn’t even
thought of yet. But our beloved
Craft was still active building
temples in the hearts of men and
looking towards the future; a future that would soon achieve
one of the greatest achievements in human history.
KnowingthatastronautBuzzAldrinwouldbetakingpartinthe
Apollo 11 mission, the Supreme Council decided that it would be
nice if Brother Aldrin could take something Masonic with him to
infinity and beyond since he was going where no man, or Mason
for that matter, had gone before (see what I did there?). They felt
Earth as seen from surface of the
moon from the Apollo 11 spacecraft
“When man reaches new worlds, Masonry will be there.”
The hand sewn-Buzz Aldrin space flag.
Photography:CourtesyofNASAJSCDigitalImageCollection
11. July/August 2016 THE SCOTTISH RITE JOURNAL 9
a flag that represented the Supreme Council and Freemasonry in
general would do the job. So the flag was hand sewn by Inge Baum,
who was the Librarian of the Supreme Council in 1969. If you
have been able to view the flag this weekend, you have witnessed
the exquisite details and the craftsmanship of Inge. The flag itself
is white silk and measures 8.66 inches (length) by 11.81 inches
(width). It is edged by a band of gold and is embroidered with: the
wordsTheSupremeCouncil,33°,SouthernJurisdiction,USA;the
SJmotto“DeusMeumqueJus;”thedoubleheadedeagle;thecrown
of the Thirty-Third degree; the insignia of the Grand Commander;
and the insignia of a Master Ma-
son. After the Apollo 11 mission,
on September 16, 1969, Buzz
Aldrin visited the House of the
Temple in Washington, D.C., and
presented the flag to Grand Com-
mander Luther Smith. Since then
the flag has remained in the cus-
todyoftheHouseoftheTemple’s
Archives/MuseumDepartment.
So why is this flag impor-
tant? Well for one, it was on the
moon. How many people have
gazed upon the moon and won-
dered what it would be like to be
able to walk on its surface and
to see its view of earth? If this
flag could talk, it could tell us
about the emotions expressed
by the astronauts of the Apollo
11 mission; it could tell us about
their conversations and their
reactions to accomplishing a
task that was once thought of
as impossible. I’m going to steal
a quote from Rene Belloq, the
main antagonist from Indiana
Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark. In one of my favorite scenes
from the movie, Indiana threatens to blow up the Ark of the
Covenant. Rene tells the Nazi army to stand down and states,
“Indiana, we are simply passing through history. This, this is his-
tory.” This quote has always resonated with me and is how I feel
about this flag.
Besides being on the moon and representing history, this flag
also has some masonic implications we can take away. In an ar-
ticle about the Buzz Aldrin Flag in the December 1969 issue of
The New Age Magazine, the historical significance of the Apollo
11 mission and its meaning for Masonry were discussed. So
does the landing on the moon have anything to do with Mason-
ry? I think the article summed this up nicely by ending with this
quote: “When man reaches new worlds, Masonry will be there.”
This statement couldn’t have any more truth to it. Since its be-
ginnings in 1717 when the Grand Lodge of England was formed,
speculative Masonry has spread throughout the ends of the world
and continues to captivate the hearts and minds of men. You never
knowwhenyouaregoingtoencounterabrother.Forexample,once
I got through airport security at DCA, one of the agents turned to
me and asked what made the artifact so rare. And I informed him
of what it was. To which he responded, “Are you a traveling man?”
Of course, I said yes and we began to talk about our respective ma-
sonic journeys, but in that moment I just kept thinking about how
small the world is and the second half of the quote from the article.
“Masonrywillbethere.”
I tell this story of my surprise
encounter with a brother during
my travel because I find it fitting
to this reunion and what this flag
represents. It serves as a symbol
of our fraternity’s noticeable
presence and contribution to
history and society. Buzz Aldrin
is just one famous historical per-
son who contributed greatly to
history and society, and so did
Brothers Washington, Mozart,
Pike, and others we all know
about. Yet, so do we. Yeah we
may not be famous or get our
names written down in the histo-
rybooks,butlookatthecharities
we provide for; look at the dis-
tressed brothers, their widows
and orphans we support will-
ingly; and look at how we con-
tributetosocietyinameaningful
way by taking the morals and
lessons from the degrees and ap-
plying them to our personal and
professional lives. Let this flag be
a reminder to us all that “what we do for ourselves dies with us.
What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.”
Finally, the flag’s presence during this historic lunar expe-
dition symbolizes Masonry’s universal appeal. It serves as a
symbol that we are willing to accept men of differing religions,
politics, and backgrounds to learn the mysterious of our craft.
That we are willing to set aside our politics, religions, etc. in
lodge to meet on the level with one another, to accomplish
the work on the trestle board, to go out of the way to help a
brother, and to fellowship with one another.
Masonry has been at the forefront of progress and human en-
lightenment since its beginnings and will continue to be. This
flag serves as a reminder of this. So … Masonry will always be
there and will continue to “boldly go where no man has gone
before.” Thank you!
Top: (l. to r.) Bro. Joshua Aaron Poole, 32° (left) with special
guest, Jim Lovell. Lovell was the Commander of Apollo 13.
Below: Poole presents the Scottish Rite space flag to the
Valley of Chicago during their space-themed reunion.
12. 10 THE SCOTTISH RITE JOURNAL July/August 2016
VA L L E Y O R G A N I Z A T I O N S
Micah Evans, 33°
The Knights of St. Andrew
(KSA) are a Scottish Rite service
organization offering 32° “black-
hat” Scottish Rite Masons an opportu-
nity to get involved in Valley leadership.
The Orient of Nebraska hosted the 3rd
Biennial Gathering of the Knights of St.
Andrew May 20–21, 2016. The goal of
the 2016 gathering was to inspire service
and leadership among 32° Masons, and
provide tools members could use to sup-
port their respective Valleys.
Our keynote speaker was retired Colo-
nel and Bro. John Hinck, 32°, who served
over 20 years with the US Army as an
Apache Longbow helicopter pilot and
battalion commander
in Afghanistan, with
command experience
around the world.
John is a doctoral can-
didate in leadership
studies at the Univer-
sityofSanDiegoandis
now serving as grand
chaplain of the Grand
Lodge of California.
With John’s overall
theme of leading with
values, the KSA gath-
ering committee built
breakout sessions ad-
dressing particular aspects of leadership.
These sessions were designed to be inter-
active conversations rather than lectures,
with brethren talking about what works in
their Valley and learning about best prac-
tices in other Valleys. Topics discussed in-
cluded:habitsofeffectiveleaders;engaging
volunteers; proper management of events;
organizational fundraising, development,
and donor stewardship; implementing
VMAP in the Valleys; and how to grow
and develop the leadership of members’
KSA Chapters. Brigadier General Don
Bacon (USAF Ret.) moderated a military
leadership panel discussion with Omaha
Valley Bros. Col. Eric
Van Sky, 32° (USAF
Ret.), CAPT Gary Wil-
liams, 32° (USN Ret.),
and Lt. Col. Mike Pre-
cella, 32°. They spoke
about which methods
worked—and didn’t—
and how these styles
affected their own style.
The gathering also
welcomed 13 ladies,
joining their hus-
bands. Brenda Cole-
man led a session on
engaging ladies in the
Valley, sharing copies of the Scottish Rite
Ladies Group orientation booklet, which
members’ ladies receive during reunions.
With 72 brethren and 13 ladies, the
KSA Gathering kicked off on Friday
evening with a Texas barbecue banquet.
Stan Dodd, Assistant Director of Mem-
bership Services from the House of the
Temple spoke, challenging members
to think about how to engage members.
MW Dennis Rix, Grand Master of Ma-
sons, concluded the first evening, bring-
ing greetings to the gathering from the
Grand Lodge of Nebraska.
On Saturday morning, the Valley of
Guthrie hosted a beautiful opening cer-
emony, and breakout sessions followed.
At noon, we broke for lunch, and John
Hinck, 32°, spoke eloquently about how
his Freemasonry serves as the founda-
tion for his life, whether as a soldier, stu-
dent, teacher, father, or son.
After afternoon sessions, members
arrived at the Omaha Scottish Rite for a
banquet, while we watched Celebrating
the Craft. Besides our own 85 Knights,
an additional 50 Scottish Rite Masons
and ladies attended Celebrating the Craft,
which raised over $3,000 for the House
of the Temple and Nebraska RiteCare!
We had a great weekend and are con-
tinuing to share ideas on Facebook, SR
Chirp, and Twitter. There is already buzz
for the 2018 KSA Gathering!
Information on how to vote on the
next jurisdiction will be available soon,
and materials from the Omaha Gath-
ering will be posted on our website at
www.scottishriteomaha.org/ksaomaha.
Knights of St. Andrew
Gather in Omaha
The KSA, a 32° “black-hat” organization serving Scottish Rite Valleys, held
its third biennial gathering in Omaha, Nebraska, May 20–21.
13. July/August 2016 THE SCOTTISH RITE JOURNAL 11
AT WEST VIRGINIA SCOTTISH RITE CONFERENCE
James E. Watson III, KCCH
T
he Orient of West Virginia’s Ancient and Accepted
Scottish Rite 2016 Conference hosted by the Valley of
Martinsburg was held at the scenic Cacapon State Park in
Berkeley Springs on April 29–30, 2016.
The conference’s activities started on Friday with registration
and a round of golf at the park’s championship golf course. Those
who did not wish to play golf enjoyed touring and shopping at
the many craft and artisan’s shops in downtown Berkeley Springs.
Friday evening all enjoyed fun and fellowship over a great steak
and chicken cookout at the State Park with over 60 people in at-
tendance. Our ladies group, “The Crazy Scotties,” hosted the hos-
pitality room with plenty of refreshments and laughter.
After breakfast, Saturday’s activities commenced with the
opening of the conference by Ill. Ronald Jones, 33°, president.
After an opening prayer and the pledge of allegiance, greetings
were given to all assembled by Ill. H. Jackson Yost, 33°, SGIG of
West Virginia. The morning’s sessions began with a video from
Supreme Council titled, “The House of the Temple: Our Past,
Present, and Future.” Following the video was a presentation
about the Order of DeMolay by Douglas Sappington, MM, ex-
ecutive officer, and his assistant, Michael Burge, 32°.
At the past conferences, attendees were divided into groups
covering a multitude of topics. This year, however, it was decid-
ed to unite everyone into one large group to focus on the Val-
ley Membership Achievement Project (VMAP). This allowed
everyone to see, listen, and participate in every subject area of
the program. Due to the content and importance of the VMAP
program, it took most of the day to present and discuss the dif-
ferent elements. Presenters for the program were Tom Jordan,
KCCH, Orient webmaster; James Watson, KCCH, Valley web-
master; MW PGM Randy Martin, KCCH, Orient membership
chair; Chuck Ryan, KCCH, personal representative of Wheel-
ing, assisting on membership; Raymond Hedrick, 32°, VMAP
spokesman; Scott Dunfee, 32°, Orient VMAP chair; and James
Whitacre, 32°, Orient development chair. Jeff Ryman, 32°, and
James Watson, KCCH, served as the conference photographers.
By having everyone together in this format, all
could hear the same information. It also allowed
for group discussions and the sharing of ideas,
which will enhance each of our membership
programs. We believe all came away with a new
sense of not only how to increase our member-
ship, but also how to retain the members we cur-
rently have.
After a long and productive day, all were wel-
comed to the evening banquet by Venerable Master
LarryGerber,Sr.,KCCH,oftheValleyofMartinsburg.
The program for the evening was a patriotic Ameri-
can flag presentation given by Charles Davis, KCCH,
in patriotic costume, assisted by Ill. H. Jackson Yost,
SGIG. The guest speaker, Reverend John Unger, KCCH, offered
a heartfelt, sincere, and uplifting talk, and Ill. Joe Kennedy, Po-
tentate of Ali Ghan Shrine Temple, brought laughter and many
smiles with his mixture of magic tricks and humor. Each lady re-
ceived a gift for the support they give their Scottish Rite Mason.
As all good things must come to an end, Ill. Ronald Jones, pres-
identofthe2016Conference,passedthegaveltothepresidentof
next year’s conference, which will be hosted by the Valley of Mor-
gantown. Personal Representative Lewis R. Youngblood of the
Valley of Martinsburg thanked everyone for their participation
and their attendance. It seems that the 2016 Orient Conference
had the largest attendance of any conference for West Virginia
thus far. Our Orient SGIG, H. Jackson Yost, gave his heartfelt
closing remarks and a sincere thank you to everybody.
CENTER STAGE
(L. to r.) Conference attendees enjoy lunch. Bro. Charles Davis, KCCH,
conducted a patriotic flag presentation and Rev. John Unger, KCCH, shared
uplifting words during Saturday’s banquet. Ill. H. Jackson Yost, 33°, SGIG in
West Virginia, addresses attendees.
V M A P
14. 12 THE SCOTTISH RITE JOURNAL July/August 2016
L O D G E C A T E R I N G W / B R O . L A R R Y
Larry von Weigel, 32°
I
LOVE THAT JERK! No, I
am not condoning brothers
throwing shade or behaving
badly, just sharing some love for
a great Caribbean dish.
Areyoumissingsomespice
in your life? Did spring rains
have youfeelin’blue?Well,snap
yourself outofthatfunkandinto
somespicyjerkchickenreinvigo-
ratingyourstrut,bringing onthe
summerexcitementearly!Ilove
spicyfood,thehotterthebetter,
unlessitistortuouslypainfuland
thatissimplynofun.JerkChick-
enis acrowd-pleasingfavorite
foryourheat-seekingdaredevil
peeps,whowill certainlybestow
theGrillMasterHeavyWeight
ChampionBeltforyourAgame
performanceatyournextBBQor
beachparty.
1 Jamaican Jerk Chicken
Serves 30 (2-piece portion)
60 pieces of chicken
20 whole Scotch bonnet* peppers,
stemmed & seeded (See note below.)
4 Tbsp. plus 2 tsp. allspice berries
1 Tbsp. grated nutmeg
4 tsp. cinnamon
¼ cup plus 2 tsp. whole black
peppercorns
28 scallions, root tip removed,
medium chop green & white parts
¾ cup fresh ginger, peeled & finely
chopped
6 Tbsp. shallots, peeled & minced
6 Tbsp. minced fresh garlic
(approx. 14 cloves)
½ cup plus 2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves
10 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
½ cup finely grated lime zest
14 Tbsp. dark brown sugar
10 tsp. kosher salt
½ cup Vegetable or Canola oil
For Marinade: Grind the black
peppercorns and allspice berries in a
spice grinder until finely ground. In
a blender add the scallions, Scotch
bonnet peppers, ginger, shallots, garlic,
brown sugar lime zest and juice, thyme
leaves, nutmeg, cinnamon, ground
peppercorns, allspice, salt, and oil and
blend till smooth, scraping down sides
of blender once.
For Chicken: Coat chicken liberally with
marinade and refrigerate overnight. Reserve
and refrigerate any remaining sauce
for future use. Remove chicken from
refrigerator and let come to room
temperature for 1 hour before cooking.
For Grilling: Load a chimney starter
with charcoal and ignite. Let burn until
it has become slightly ashy. Pour charcoal
out and push and mound to one side of
Jamaican Jerk Chickenwith Buttermilk Panna Cotta & Berries
Photography:(JerkChicken&PannaCotta)Bro.LarryvonWeigel,32°;
(Scotchbonnet)Thegeeb,WikimediaCommons
*SCOTCH BONNETS are extremely hot peppers & should
be handled carefully while wearing rubber gloves. Also,
use a separate cutting board. If you want a milder sauce,
start by adding half of the peppers and finish the sauce. If
the sauce isn’t spicy enough add the remaining peppers
incrementally & puree until you achieve the desired heat level. If you are
not a purist, simply substitute a less fiery pepper such as a Jalapeño.
HEAT
W
ARNING
!
1
15. July/August THE SCOTTISH RITE JOURNAL 13
the grill allowing charcoal to burn. When
grill has reached 250° F arrange the chicken
skin side up on the metal grate on the
opposite side of the coals. Cook chicken
undisturbed for nearly an hour adding
charcoal as needed. When the chicken is
close to being done, move it to the hot spot
over coals and turn frequently to get some
good color slightly charring
the marinade. Remove chicken
when the meat thermometer
reads 165° F when placed in the
thickest portion of a chicken
thigh (not touching the bone) and juices
run clear. Rest chicken for a few minutes to
distribute the juices.
For Oven Roasting: Pre-heat oven to 350°F.
Place chicken on an aluminum foil-lined
baking sheet and roast in oven for 45
minutes or until a meat thermometer reads
165° F when placed in the thickest portion
of a chicken thigh (not touching the bone)
and juices run clear. Rest chicken for a few
minutes to distribute the juices.
Ensuring my well-earned dollars go to
supporting small businesses over giant con-
glomerates are choices I hold close to heart
and find gratifying. Supporting a small fam-
ily owned business such as Mt. Crawford
Creamery inMt.Crawford,VA,holdseven
more sentiment. Growing up in the heart-
land of America on a small family farm in
Iowa has left my mind filled with
treasured memories of nature’s
majesty coupled with the great
inspiration gained witnessing the
fulfillment of my parent’s pas-
sions: working the earth growing
cropsandtheraisingoflivestock.
As a boy, I remember re-
turning from a visit from my
cousin’s dairy farm and begging
my father if we could please
raise dairy cattle, which filled
him with an eruption of belly
laughter. His kind response
was, “Larry you have no idea
how much work that is.” In my
teenage years, I quickly realized
how strenuous and challenging
it was assisting my father’s work, and it
was then I understood his response to
my innocent request.
Mt. Crawford Creamery has been in
Brother Kenny Will’s family since 1924.
All products are vat pasteurized on prem-
ises maintaining the full integrity of the
product and keeping it as close to its
natural state as possible. Their buttermilk
is done in the “authentic and traditional”
manner which results in a much sweeter,
thinner product rather than the presently
mass produced buttermilk which is thick
and sour. This panna cotta recipe is a per-
fectly refreshing end to a long day at labor
in the “dog days” of summer.
2 Buttermilk Panna Cotta
Serves 30
¾ cup milk
7½ cup Mt. Crawford Creamery
Heavy Cream (or other high quality
cream)
1 Tbsp. grated orange zest
(perfect excuse to use my favorite
Microplane grater)
1½ cups granulated sugar
5 Tbsp. unflavored gelatin
10½ cup Mt. Crawford Creamery
Traditional Buttermilk (or other
high-quality buttermilk)
5 Tbsp. vanilla extract
3 pint fresh strawberries
3 pint fresh blackberries
3 pint fresh blueberries
1½ cup granulated sugar
Place ¾ cup of milk into a small bowl
and sprinkle with gelatin. Rest for 10
minutes until gelatin is softened. Heat
heavy cream, sugar, and orange zest in a
saucepan over medium heat, bringing to
just a boil; stirring until sugar dissolves and
immediately shut off heat. Add the gelatin;
whisking until dissolved. Remove pot from
stove top. Stir in buttermilk and vanilla
extract and divide into 6 oz. plastic or cups
or old Masonic coffee cups. Cover with
plastic wrap not touching the surface of
the panna cotta and refrigerate overnight.
Berries: Mix the berries with 1½ cups
granulated sugar in a bowl a few hours
before serving or refrigerate overnight.
Assembly: When ready to serve, spoon
fresh berries over top of panna cotta and
serve immediately.
Note: (Many panna cotta recipes
contain too much gelatin so it
can be released from the mold
and placed upside down on a
dessert plate. I find those recipes
often have an unpleasantly firm
or rubbery texture. This recipe
heralds a soft and creamy texture
best suited to remain in the vessel
which it was placed).
Bro. Larry von Weigel, 32°, is
Junior Warden at Federal Lodge
No. 1 in Washington, DC. He designs,
photographs, and creates recipes for
his food blog cravinsome.com, and
was Assistant General Manager of the
Occidental Grill.
Is your Valley or lodge going to try this recipe? Take a photo and tell
us about it: journal@scottishrite.org or @TheScottishRite on Twitter.
2
17. July/August 2016 THE SCOTTISH RITE JOURNAL 15
C U R R E N T I N T E R E S T
Introducing a New Feature in the Scottish Rite Journal!
On the facing page is the first
installment of an exciting new
feature of fun facts that will run in
the Scottish Rite Journal. Each issue
will contain attention-grabbing fac-
toids about people, places, and things
(and even events) relating to Freema-
sonry. Some of the entries will amaze,
enlighten, and possibly even amuse
our readers. Accompanying many of
these marvelous tidbits and nuggets
will be original artwork by WBro. Ted
Bastien of Toronto, Canada, who il-
lustrated the “Bro. Brother” articles
and “Bugsport.” PM Bastien graduated
from Sheridan College, Oakville, On-
tario, Canada, in 1983 with a diploma
in Classical Animation. He worked
for Nelvana for 31 years, 23 as direc-
tor. Brother Bastien has directed many
children’s cartoons including “Magic
School Bus” for PBS, Disney’s “Handy
Manny,” Nickelodeon’s “Mike the
Knight” (for which his team won an
Emmy for best preschool show), and
others. He is now directing Nickel-
odeon’s “Paw Patrol” at GURU studio.
Brother Bastien is a member of Joseph
A. Hearn Lodge No. 685, G.R.C.
Some of the future issues will con-
tain thematic groups, that is, Masons
who were public figures, entrepreneurs,
entertainers, astronauts, musicians,
educators, writers, presidents, sports
figures, etc. In this first feature we high-
light famous restaurateurs. We will
spotlight members who belong to the
Brotherhood from President George
Washington, P.M., to master magician
Harry Houdini, to astronaut turned U.S.
Senator John Glenn, and other world-
renowned celebrities. Our goal is to
illuminate, to educate and to entertain.
We shall break off the corners of rough
stones to reveal the gems that have in-
spired us for the ages. We encourage
readers with interesting factoids to sub-
mit them into Ill. Gregory S. Kearse, 33°,
gkearse@scottishrite.org.
—By Gregory S. Kearse, 33°
Staff Writer
Martha Kay Bennett
Award-Winning CTC Smooth Operator
Have you ever talked with someone on the
telephone whose job it was to assist you, but that
person was unknowledgeable, unhelpful, and worst of all,
rude? Well, just think of the opposite person and you get
Martha K. Bennett, whose 40-year career at the House
of the Temple was rewarded at the 2015 Biennial Session.
Her enthusiasm and helpful demeanor has earned her
praise and some generous gifts of gratitude. The Valley
of Orange Co., California, rewarded Martha with a very
elegant Certificate of Excellence, as well as a beautifully-
sculpted clock in recognition of her outstanding phone demeanor and assistance. The
certificate was signed by Ill. Frank Loui, 33°, SGIG in CA, Richard B. Wood, 33°, and
Robert McNamara, 33°. Martha is a public relations angel and model citizen.
For the past four years, Martha has worked the Celebrating the Craft phone banks
during the annual webathon (see p. 4 for related article)—in addition to her duties as
a billing agent for dues notices and other responsibilities at the House of the Temple.
Perhaps her cool disposition and calm personality comes from engaging in her calm-
ing hobby of crafts and making Christmas ornaments and Easter baskets. She will be a
great grandmother for the sixth time and a grandmother for the fifth time by the end of
this year and is looking forward to spoiling the children. Martha, with her usual sense
of humor says, “After all, that is who gets the Easter baskets and Christmas stockings.”
As if on cue, breaking from our interview to troubleshoot a problem with one of
the Valleys, Martha deftly handled the customer’s needs and took the extra effort
and time to ask if she could help him further. She patiently guided the person on the
other end of the line in regal fashion. “It is my pleasure,” she said, smiled, hung up the
phone, and resumed our interview. Now that’s a smooth operator!
—By Gregory S. Kearse, 33°, Staff Writer
Valley of Savannah’s
Tournament of Champions
The Valley of Savannah, Georgia
was very busy on Saturday, April 16,
2016, with the fourth-annual Tourna-
ment of Champions! The competition is
based on Blue Lodge ritual, and brothers
competed for trophies in the following
categories: Best Lecture; Best Charge;
Best Prayer; Best Opening and Clos-
ing of a Lodge;
Best Catechism;
Brother Who
Entered the Most
Events; Lodge
that Entered the
Most Events;
and Overall best
performance.
The friendly
competition pro-
moted camarade-
rie and Esprit de
Corps among Masons. This tournament
also satisfies VMAP Areas 1 (Member
Retention) and 11 (Valley Organiza-
tions). What could be better than that?
—Submitted by Robert A. Brooks, 33°
VMAP Chairman, Valley of Savannah
Ill. C. Wayne Barnes, 33°,
presents best overall
performance trophy to Ill.
Henry Butler, 33°, of Bryan
Lodge No. 303, Georgia.
18. 16 THE SCOTTISH RITE JOURNAL July/August 2016
C U R R E N T I N T E R E S T
On March 23, 2016, the Lubbock
Scottish Rite progressively filled
as members awaited the start of the an-
nual Ceremony of Renewal and Remem-
brance. In the past year, the Lubbock Val-
ley has made a significant commitment
to achieving full compliance with Valley
Membership and Achievement Program
(VMAP) standards and improving their
member experience during Valley events.
The increased emphasis on tradition
and quality has resulted in reinvigorat-
ing member participation. Wise Master
Judge Risley, KCCH, and the officers
of the Chapter of Rose Croix demon-
strated their commitment to the goal by
hosting a fully catered meal. Following
which the officers of the Chapter of Rose
Croix presented a well planned and cho-
reographed ceremonial observance. The
officers commemorated the lives of the
members who had died and celebrated
the new season. Many active members
expressed their gratitude and apprecia-
tion for the hard work that Risley and the
other officers placed into ensuring that
the event met a high standard in quality.
In addition to the traditional ceremo-
nial observance, Personal Representative
Stephen Cross, 33°, presented a Master
Craftsman III certificate and pin to Pat-
rick Skipper, KCCH. In the past year,
Skipper has demonstrated an uncom-
mon dedication to completing Masonic
education and assisting in the develop-
ment of Masonic education programs
during stated meetings.
—By Jared R. Whittington, 32°
General Secretary
Ceremony of Remembrance and Renewal, Lubbock, Texas
Santa Barbara Scottish Rite Awards $13,000
in Scholarships to Area Students
The Valley of Santa Barbara, California selected 13 students throughout
Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties for the 2016 Santa Barbara Scottish
Rite Scholarship Awards. The Valley presented the awards at the recipients’ respec-
tive high schools, distributing a total of $13,000 this year. Since 1982, the Santa
Barbara Scottish Rite has been providing grants in the form of college or university
scholarship awards to graduating public high school students in the Valley’s geo-
graphical region, which
stretches from Atascadero
to Carpinteria. The schol-
arships are funded from
donations and bequests.
In October or Novem-
ber of each year, mem-
bers of the Santa Barbara
Scottish Rite send out
packages advertising the
scholarship program to all
public schools in the re-
gion, their student coun-
selors, and their students.
Each packet explains the
scholarship program and
includes posters, instruc-
Valley of Santa Barbara Scholarship Chairman Bro. Scott
Wenz, KCCH, congratulates 2016 scholarship recipient
Adam Childs, one of 13 selected this year.
Photography:ScottishRiteofSantaBarbara
2015 VMAP Success!
Sixty-five Valleys were winners
in the Valley Membership Achieve-
ment Project (VMAP) for 2015, and
2016 VMAP is underway. With these
Valleys’ successes in 2015, we know this
will be a banner year. The SR Work-
shopsandinitiativesarecompleted,and
we are happy to report overwhelming
success across the entire Southern Juris-
diction. For a list of VMAP winning Val-
leys, visit www.scottishrite.org/vmap.
Each Scottish Rite brother in your
Valley is important to the Valley’s suc-
cess,andsharingtheworkloadacrossall
your members will keep them focused
and give them a better experience. If
youhaveanyquestionsorneedanyhelp,
you may contact the VMAP committee
directly at VMAP@scottishrite.org.
19. July/August 2016 THE SCOTTISH RITE JOURNAL 17
C U R R E N T I N T E R E S T
Kansas to Celebrate Scottish Rite Day Nov. 11–12, 2016
Auniqueopportunityisunfolding
in Kansas to further Masonic edu-
cation. This year MW Bro. Lyn E. Beyer,
32°, Grand Master of Masons in Kansas,
is emphasizing Masonic Unity as one
of the pillars of his administration.
Often, Ill. Hugh Gill III, 33°, SGIG
in Kansas, says, “Grand Master
Beyer is heard admonishing
the Craft, ‘Our Masonic Bodies
must support each other.’” Fur-
thermore, he says, the spirit of
unity is being embraced by both the
Southern and Northern Scottish Rite Ju-
risdictions as they are jointly celebrating
November 12, 2016, as Scottish Rite Day.
Recognizing the goal of Grand Master
Beyer and the fraternal brotherhood of
the Scottish Rite in the United States, Ill.
Gill has declared a statewide reunion and
class to see degrees dramatized and com-
municated that will significantly add to a
brother’s Masonic knowledge while en-
joying the fellowship his of Brethren.
The two-day class will be held No-
vember 11–12 at the Wichita Scot-
tish Rite Center and will feature
degrees presented by five of the
Valleys in the Orient. Ill. Brent
Morris, 33°, Managing Editor of
the Scottish Rite Journal, will assist
the degree communication. Addi-
tionally, there will be a tour of the Wichita
State University RiteCare SRCLP Clinic,
as well as a closing banquet.
Given his interest in promoting this
class, MW Bro Beyer has offered to be
the first-line signer on every petition!
tions, and current application forms.
The Valley’s Scholarship Committee
members serve as coordinators in their
various communities and most person-
ally contact the counselors of those
schools, to verify the school’s partici-
pation. The Valley typically receives
60–100 applications each year.
The Scholarship Committee’s evalu-
ation takes into account the student’s
academic record, extracurricular activi-
ties, community service, financial need,
special situations, and employment his-
tory. The committee members compile
their completed evaluations and select a
winner for each of the available scholar-
ships—the number of which may vary
from year to year. This year, the 13 grad-
uating students represent eight different
high schools across the region.
—Submitted by Bruce Rick, 32°
Valley of Martinsburg, West Virginia,
Recognizes Outstanding
JROTC Cadets
Front row, l. to r.: Cadets Elizabeth C., Brezsana A.,
Tyrig K. Middle row, l. to r.: Lt. Col. Guinan, Cadets
Mariah D., Ethan G., Perry P., Maj. Suydam. Back row,
l. to r.: Ill. Ronald Jones, 33°, Valley Treasurer, Lewis
Youngblood, 33°, Personal Representative, Bro. Larry
Gerber, KCCH, Venerable Master; Ill. David Morgan Smith,
33°, JROTC Program Coordinator.
Cumberland, MD, Starts JROTC Program
As part of the 2016 Scottish Rite Strawberry Night pro-
gram, the Cumberland, MD, Scottish Rite presented two
Scottish Rite JROTC Awards to cadets from Garrett County
JROTC Units. In further recognition, the Cumberland Scottish
Rite presented a check for $100 to each cadet to support their
further pursuits in JROTC or other educational activities.
This is the first year Cumberland has participated in the pro-
gram. We are grateful to Senior Army Instructors LTC (Ret.)
Jack Riley of Northern Garrett High School and LTC (Ret.)
Ralph Sheaffer of Southern Garrett High School for their par-
ticipation and for nominating two outstanding cadets for recog-
nition.Withtheirsupport,welookforwardtomakingthisaward
a part of our annual program. For more information about the
JROTCProgram,select“Philanthropy”menuatscottishrite.org.
(L. to r.) Ill. Paul G. Shircliff, 33°, Cumberland Personal Rep.; Senior
Army Instructor LTC (Ret) Ralph Sheaffer and Cadet Kayla Harris
of Southern High School; Cadet Jacob Toothman and Senior Army
Instructor LTC (Ret) Jack Riley of Northern High School; and Bro.
Robin Summerfield, 32°, Senior Warden, Cumberland Scottish Rite
20. 18 THE SCOTTISH RITE JOURNAL July/August 2016
C U R R E N T I N T E R E S T
From Backstage to Center Stage:
Dedicated Wichita Brother Receives Perfect Attendance Award
Throughout our lives we are encouraged and expected to
honor our commitment to school, church, clubs, and other
civic and service organizations with our attendance. Because of
our busy lives these days, it has become more difficult to keep
showing up to these activities.
Ill. Ross B. Smith, 33°, is a wonderful exception. Amazingly,
since 1968 he has attended every reunion class at the Wichita
Scottish Rite, first as a member of the stage crew, then as Di-
rector of Ritual, and now as Director of Ritual Emeritus. Asked
why he joined the stage crew, he said, “Because my Dad was
on the crew. He worked in the fly,
raising and lowering the drops”—
not an easy task as there are over
100 drops on the WSR stage!
He was raised in a family with
Masonic ties. His father, grandfa-
ther, and uncle were all Scottish
Rite Masons. His mother was a
member of Ivy Leaf Chapter, Or-
der of the Eastern Star. Raised in
1950, Ross joined the Scottish Rite that same year. He
was honored with a KCCH in 1979 and 33° in 1981.
At the 2016 Spring Reunion April 16, SGIG Hugh
Gill III, 33°, Personal Representative Scott Kailer, 33°,
and Executive Secretary Jim Davenport, 33°, present-
ed Ross with a certificate to honor his perfect atten-
dance at the reunion classes.
—Submitted by Tony Nelzen, KCCH
Photography:Bro.TonyNelzen,KCCH
Left: In recognition of 48 years
of perfect attendance at reunion
classes, Ill. Smith (second from l.)
receives an award from (l. to r.)
Ill. Bros. Kailer, 33°, Davenport,
33°, and Gill. Upper right: Ill. Ross
B. Smith, 33°, at the stage light
controls in Wichita.
21. July/August 2016 THE SCOTTISH RITE JOURNAL 19
A P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e N o r t h e r n M a s o n i c J u r i s d i c t i o n
Notes from
Certificate Acquired
The Van Gorden-Williams Library &
Archives of the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library
has acquired the 33° certificate of Richard Theodore
Greener, the prominent African American attorney,
educator, diplomat, and Freemason.
Among his many accomplishments, Greener was the
first African American graduate of Harvard College, the
dean of Howard University’s School of Law, a professor
at the University of South Carolina, and the first U.S.
Consul to Vladivostok, Russia.
The certificate was among many Greener documents
discovered in 2009, in the attic of an abandoned house in
Chicago by a cleanout crew preparing it for demolition.
Historians have greeted the discovery of the Greener
documents – long thought lost – with much excitement.
Greener’s Masonic certificate gives us a glimpse into
his activities while he was in Chicago in 1896 working
for the National Republican Committee’s presidential
campaign efforts.
The date of Greener’s certificate coincides with his
arrival in Chicago and his involvement with the National
Republican Committee’s National Colored Bureau in the
1896 presidential campaign for Republican nominee
William McKinley. Within the United Supreme Council,
Greener served as Jones’ second-in-command, holding
the office of Lieutenant Grand Commander in 1896
and 1897. The United Supreme Council was formed by
ChicagolawyerJohnG.Jonesandothersin1895.Greener
was also a Shriner and held office in the Imperial Grand
Council of the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of
the Mystic Shrine.
THREE IF BY
Technological Innovation
Everyone knows
the story of
Paul Revere and
his midnight ride,
but few know that,
in addition to his
instrumental role at
the very beginnings
of the American
Revolution, he was
also a financial risk taker and technological
innovator in the new American economy. In
a lecture given at the Scottish Rite Masonic
Museum & Library, Professor Robert
Martello, professor of the history of science
and technology at Olin College of Engineering
related a riveting discussion on how Revere
transitioned from his role as a colonial artisan
to becoming a business-minded manufacturer
during the earliest years of the republic.
The 69-minute lecture is available online at:
monh.org/programs/recorded-lectures/
Schomburg
General Research
and Reference
Division, The
New York Public
Library. “R. T.
Greener” New
York Public
Library Digital
Collections.
Accessed
Jan. 13, 2016.
RICHARD T. GREENER
22. 20 THE SCOTTISH RITE JOURNAL July/August 2016
R I T E C A R E S R C L P
Stephen M. Munsinger, 33°
SGIG in Colorado
O
n behalf of the Orient of Col-
orado, it is my pleasure to invite
RiteCare clinicians throughout
the Southern Jurisdiction and Scottish
Rite Masons to register for and attend the
11th biennial National RiteCare Confer-
ence this coming October. We particu-
larly encourage those involved in the
administration of their Orient’s RiteCare
program to attend. This year’s theme is
“Reach for the Summit” and will be en-
riched by sharing and networking with
colleagues from across the nation.
Denver is the 1953 birthplace of the
Scottish Rite’s work in pediatric speech-lan-
guagecare,nowknownastheRiteCarePro-
gram. In addition, it was in our Mile-High
City where the inaugural National Scottish
Rite Clinic Conference, now known as the
National RiteCare Conference, convened
in1996.We arepleasedto hostthe20than-
niversaryconferencethisyear.
This conference will showcase presen-
tations and best practices from across the
Colorado community. By sharing valu-
able information about prov-
en best practices as well as
new and emerging prac-
tices, conference attend-
ees will be refreshed,
renewed, and energized
by engaging with other
professionals in pediat-
ric speech-language and
learning care.
Colorado is blessed
with having formidable
talent in its RiteCare
Partners, and this tal-
ent will be front and
center at the conference.
Presenters will provide
insights and perspec-
tivesfromourColorado
partners including the
University of Colorado
at Boulder and the
University of North-
ern Colorado as well
as Children’s Hospital
Colorado, our flagship partner which is
a pediatric hospital of national acclaim.
Other partners will also provide insight-
ful techniques and practices as it relates
to early childhood language and learning.
The keynote speaker will be Dr. Judy
Montgomery, Chair of the Communica-
tions Disorders Program at Chapman
University and RiteCare Pro-
gram Director at the California
RiteCare Clinics. Dr. Mont-
gomery is a former president
of the American Speech-
Language-Hearing Asso-
ciation and a dynamic
speaker who gave the
keynote address for the
first national Scottish
Rite Clinic Confer-
ence in 1996.
This year’s con-
ference will have
three tracks: lit-
eracy, speech/
language, and clinic administration/
management. In addition to the subject-
matter presentations and discussions,
we will host the conference banquet on
the evening of October 14 at the Den-
ver Consistory. I will be pleased to join
with our Grand Master of Masons in
Colorado, Robert D. Elsloo, 33°, in wel-
coming you to Colorado and the Con-
sistory. The banquet speaker will be the
Sovereign Grand Commander, Ronald
A. Seale, 33°.
Following the banquet we will re-
tire to the Consistory auditorium for a
public program designed to present our
RiteCare Partners with a broader and
deeper understanding of the Scottish
Rite, including a public rendition for one
of the Scottish Rite degrees.
We hope you will join us and our 10
Colorado RiteCare Partners—serving
children and their families in 23 commu-
nitiesthroughoutthestate—forthe2016
National RiteCare Conference!
Reach for the Summit!
National RiteCare SRCLP Conference Returns to Majestic Rockies & Denver, Colorado
HOST HOTEL
Double Tree Hotel by Hilton
3203 Quebec Street
Denver, CO 80207
REGISTRATION INFO.
https://scottishrite.org
SCHEDULED TOPICS
• Telepractice
• Evaluation & therapy
models for children who use
augmentative/alternative
communication (AAC)
systems
• Therapy approaches for
children with autism
spectrum disorder
• Reach for the Summit: View
of Central Denver & 14,264
Foot Mt. Evans
• Motor speech disorders
• Developing literacy skills in
early learners
• Family education &
empowerment
• Behavioral strategies for
success with the challenging
learner
• Emerging literacy skills
• Higher level literacy skills
• Clinical implications of
relevant research on language
development & literacy
• Engaging the Masonic
community
• Strategies for successful
fundraising
• Donor relations
SCHEDULED TOPICS
REGISTRATION INFO.HOST HOTELS
23. July/August 2016 THE SCOTTISH RITE JOURNAL 21
H I S T O R Y
D
uring the Civil War, Con-
federate Major Enoch Obid
Wolf (1828–1910) served
with Ford’s Battalion Arkansas Cavalry,
Company C. In 1863, he was captured
by the Union forces.
He was held in prison, condemned
with six others to be shot in retalia-
tion for the shooting of a Union officer.
While he was a prisoner of war, Major
Wolf, a Freemason, cut about ¾ inch
from the end of his cane, and carved it
into a Masonic ring.
He recounted his story some 50 years
later to a newspaper reporter from the
Sharp County Herald:
I am the Major Wolf who was condemned
to be shot at St. Louis in 1864, together with
six Confederate privates in retaliation by the
Federals for the killing of their Major Wilson
and six of his command by Tim Reeves, one
of our Majors belonging to Marmaducke’s
[sic] command. When we were captured we,
in company with some others, were sent to St.
Louis and there drew lots for our lives. There
had to be one Major and six privates shot
and the unlucky number fell to me as Major,
and Charlie Molken of Batesville, Blackburn
of Independence, Burch and Ladd of this
state, and two others whose names I have for-
gotten were the unlucky privates. I had four
days for preparation for my doom because I
was Major, while those poor boys only had
6 hours. During my 4 days of doom my Ma-
sonicbrotherswenttoworkwithazealthatis
knownonlytoaBrotherindistressandwired
to Washington City and had me reprieved
just before the fatal hour arrived.
At the last minute (while the firing
the wooden masonic ring
of major enoch obid wolf
James T. Tresner II, 33°, Grand Cross
While awaiting execution by a firing squad during the Civil War, Major Enoch Obid Wolf,
CSA, carved a wooden ring from the end of his cane.
Top to bottom: Wooden ring carved by
Major E. O. Wolf while a POW. Major
Enoch Obid Wolf, CSA. Letter from
Abraham Lincoln to MajGen William S.
Rosecrans, November 19, 1864.
squad were loading their weapons), or-
ders arrived from Abraham Lincoln him-
self, commanding that Major Wolf was
not to be shot. In fact, Wolf became one
of the outstanding citizens of Arkansas, a
substantial and highly-respected leader
of the community. He lived until an old
age—dying in 1910—and was buried as
he wished on the family farmstead new
Franklin, Arkansas, in view of the Straw-
berry River.
Brother Wolf was a fascinating man.
According to his great granddaughter,
Arlene Wolf Singleton, during his life he
was a fighter in the War with Mexico, a
Major in the Civil War, a sheriff, and a
judge. “He … drove a team of oxen to the
Gold Rush in California, went through
the Panama Canal, traveled up the Mis-
sissippi to Memphis and walked, the
many miles back to Arkansas.”
For many years, the ring was kept in
the box of a military sewing kit, which
is also in the display case at the Library
and Museum of the Grand Lodge of
Oklahoma. The family has the letter
signed by Abraham Lincoln which fol-
lowed the telegram of reprieve, and
they have donated the ring to the Li-
brary and Museum of the Grand Lodge
of Oklahoma.
The Grand Lodge of Oklahoma is deep-
ly grateful to the family, and in particular
to Warren Enoch Wolf, Paul Enoch Wolf,
Arlene Wolf Stapleton, Greg Alan Wolf,
and Michael Paul Wolf for this artifact of
a brave and courageous Brother.
Editor’s Note: This paper was originally pub-
lished in The Oklahoma Mason, vol. 2, March
2013, and is reprinted with their permission.
Letter:AbrahamLincolnPapers,LibraryofCongress.
24. 22 THE SCOTTISH RITE JOURNAL July/August 2016
Most Worshipful Bro.
Benjamin L. Hadley,
PGM of Maine
Stuart C. Pool, 32°
Assistant to the Director of Education
Known by several names, Most Worshipful Bro.
Benjamin Levi Hadley’s poem, “On Yonder Book,”
is inspiring fraternal poetry.
T
hroughout all of Masonry
our charges and rituals
don’t usually differ too
much. Some grand lodge jurisdic-
tions do however have alternate
charges used during some of their
degrees. One of these charges, as
seen here, is used by a traveling
degree team within the Royal
Canadian Mounted Police. This
charge, because of its use by the
RCMP degree team, has come to
be known as the Canadian Charge,
though it is referred to by the
RCMP degree team as the Walking Charge.
However, it would seem that this charge has a long history, has
changed names, and has been modified throughout the past cen-
tury and a half. Some of the names this charge has been known
by are: On Yonder Book, the Candlelight Charge, the Walking
Charge, and the Oklahoma Charge. It was originally believed that
this charge only dated back to the 1940s when On Yonder Book
The Ever-C
C H
M A S O N I C L I T E R A T U R E
Illustration:DetailfromRobertMacoy,TheBookoftheLodge(1855);PhotographofBro.Hadley:ProceedingsoftheGrandLodgeofMaine,1941
25. July/August 2016 THE SCOTTISH RITE JOURNAL 23
On Yonder Book
By MWBro. Benjamin Hadley (1940s)
In Masons’ Lodge with darkened eyes,
And cable tow about you,
You swore to keep all mysteries
That Masons keep and Masons prize;
The Brothers’ secret whispered low;
The words they speak, the things
they do,
In mystic manner taught you,
On yonder book, that oath you took,
And you should never break it,
But stand by this, and this, and this,
Forever and Forever.
{Give DG/S/Step of EA Degree}
You swore to answer and obey
The summons sent you duly,
By Brothers’ hand or Lodge away;
You swore that you would never stray
From ancient laws and rules that bound
Freemasons in the days renowned,
But would observe them truly.
On yonder book, that oath you took,
And you should break it never,
But stand by this, and this, and this,
Forever and Forever.
{Give DG/S/Step of FC Degree}
You swore with generous gifts, to care
For those in sorrow stricken,
The Brother on the darkened square,
The mourner with disheveled hair,
The Orphan doomed, alas! to stray,
Along life’s cold and cheerless way,
Whose tears gush forth unhidden.
On yonder book, that oath you took,
and you should break it never,
But stand by this, and this, and this,
Forever and forever.
{Give DG/S/Step of MM Degree}
You swore with honesty to deal
with each true heart around you;
That “honor bright should ever be
Unbroken bond” ’twixt him and you
Nor wrong, nor guile, nor cruel fraud
Shall ever break that holy cord
With which that vow hath bound you
On yonder book, that oath you took,
And you should break it never,
But stand by this, and this, and this,
Forever and forever.
{Point to Great Ls, Lesser Ls, & Letter}
You the chastity to keep,
Of woman true and tender,
Of Masons’ widow, wife or child,
His mother, sister, undefiled --
Those pure and innocent, whose love
Make Masons’ home like that above;
You are the sworn defender.
On yonder book, that oath you took,
And you should break it never,
hanging
A R G ESTAYS TRUE
(Continued next page)
26. 24 THE SCOTTISH RITE JOURNAL July/August 2016
The Mason’s Pledge
By MWBro. Dr. Rob Morris (1875)
Brother, hearken, while I tell you,
What we Masons pledged to do,
When, prepared at yonder altar,
We assumed the Mason’s vow!
Foot and knee, breast, hand and cheek
Harken while I make them speak!
Foot to foot, on mercy’s errand,
When we hear a brother’s cry,
Hungry, thirsty, barefooted, naked,
With God’s mercy let us fly.
This of all our thoughts the chief,
How to give him quick relief.
Knee to knee, in earnest praying,
None but God to hear or heed,
All our woes and sins confessing,
Let us for each other plead;
By the spirit of our call,
Let us pray for brothers all.
Hand to back, a brother’s falling,
Look, his burdens are too great.
Stretch the generous hand and hold him
Up before it is too late.
The right arm’s a friendly prop,
Made to hold a brother up.
Breast to breast, in sacred casket,
At life’s center let us seal
Every truth to us entrusted,
Nor one holy thing reveal!
What a Mason vows to shield,
Let him die, but never yield.
Cheek to cheek, in timely whisper
When the tempter strives to win,
Urge the brother’s bounden duty,
Show him the approaching sin,
Point to him the deadly snare,
Save him with a brother’s care.
Brother, let us often ponder
What we Masons pledged to do,
When, prepared at yonder altar,
We assumed the Mason’s vow;
Foot and knee, breast, hand
and cheek,
Let these oft our duties speak.
The Mason’s Vow
By MWBro. Dr. Rob Morris (1884)
(First two stanzas and chorus, only)
Hearken Brothers, while I tell you,
What we Masons pledge to do,
When prepared at yonder Altar,
We assume the Mason’s Vows,
Foot and knee, breast hand and cheek,
Listen while we make them speak:
Foot to foot on mercy’s errand,
When we hear a Brother’s cry,
Hungry, thirsty, barefoot, naked,
In GOD’S mercy let us fly,
This, of all our thoughts the chief,
how to give him quick relief.
Chorus—
On yonder book that oath I took,
And break it will I never,
But swear by this, and this, and this,
For ever and for ever.
was written by MWBro. Benjamin L. Hadley, Grand Master of Maine 1942–1943.
Upon further research it was found, however, by WBro. Col. Ian M. Donald of Ken-
tucky that the Oklahoma Charge which was found in Oklahoma’s cipher ritual in
the 1890s. (http://phoenixmasonry.org/a_charge_
by_any_other_name_is_still_a_charge.htm ) This
older charge that was very similar to On Yonder Book
and the Canadian Charge made Bro. Donald dive
deeper into finding out the origins of these charges.
The origins, Donald found out, probably stem
from two, even earlier, poems written in 1875 and
1884 and published by Dr. Rob Morris in the 1884
edition of Masonic Odes and Poems. An interesting
coincidence of a modified version of Bro. Morris’
poemsbeingusedbytheRCMPdegreeteam,isthat
Bro. Morris was elected as the Past Deputy Grand
Master of the then newly formed Grand Lodge of
Canada in 1858. The poems, A Mason’s Pledge and A
Mason’s Vow, respective of the dates above, bear a striking resemblance to the later
poems and charges. The first verse of A Mason’s Pledge actually contains the words
“on yonder altar,” and the chorus of A Mason’s Vow says, “On yonder book that oath I took, and will I break it never.”
So it is quite clear that these poems inspired some of the writings and charges that came after it. All of these poems and charges
put the oath we take very beautifully and you can see that the message in different versions remains the same and true to the origi-
nal. I will leave you with the chorus of A Mason’s Vow: “On yonder book that oath I took, and break it will I never, but swear by this,
and this, and this, forever and forever.”
But stand by this, and this, and this,
Forever and forever.
{GHS Distress is given thrice}
These are our vows, Brethren, our care,
And may such light be given
In answer to our earnest prayer,
That we may do and dare
All that God’s sacred laws enjoin,
So, when evening shades pass o’er us,
We may be found in Heaven.
For on yonder book, that oath we took,
And we will break them never,
But stand by this, and this, and this,
Forever and forever.
{Everyone gives the DG/S/Step of
each degree}
(Continued from previous page)
Brother Rob Morris,
PGM of Kentucky
PhotographofBro.Morris:JohnH.Brownell,ed.,
GemsfromtheQuarryanSparksfromtheGavel
27. July/August 2016 THE SCOTTISH RITE JOURNAL 25
B O O K R E V I E W
F
ew things afford Masonic read-
ers and writers more fun than specu-
lation on the beginnings of Freema-
sonry. (I recently heard it postulated the
our gentle Craft was created by ancient
aliens from the stars in Orion’s belt—and
all this time I thought they were from Siri-
us, or perhaps from Mars!)
Whatever the case may be, we have
plenty of information concerning the ter-
restrial origins and spread of Freemason-
ry, and that information has just become
much easier of access.
Watkins, Larissa P. (Compiler) & Fletcher, Richard E.
(Editor) An Introduction to the Formation of Freemasonry in
the United States of America: The Constellation of the Brother-
hood. Washington, D.C.: Westphalia Press, 2016, 416 pages,
paperbound, illustrations, ISBN-13: 978–163391–2656,
available o the Internet for about $19.00.
Thisisawonderfulresource.LarissaWatkinsisonthestaffofthe
Library of the House of the Temple and is a superbly-skilled bibli-
ographer.MWRichardFletcher,33˚,PGMofVermont,BlueFriar,
and past Executive Director of the Masonic Service Association of
North America, is one of the very best authors/editors in Ameri-
can Masonry (He edited, and often authored, the MSANA Short
TalkBulletinsandotherpublicationsformanyyears.)Asonewould
expect,acollaborationbetwixtthetwoprovidedaverygoodbook.
It traces the documents in each state which established the Grand
Lodge, Scottish Rite, and York Rite Bodies in that state. In other
words, it provides the background for Freemasonry in your state,
andeveryotherstateinthecountry!
Ms. Watkins provides a brief overview.
Early records are often incomplete or slightly inaccurate as to date.
Therefore, in this anthology the date of creation of a Grand Body
is determined by the date the Grand Officers were installed and
thereby legally assembled to carry out their duties. The documentary
sources in this reference book accompanied by illustrations which
historically enrich the significance of the text. The selected material
consists of two types of illustrations which for the first time in the his-
tory of American Masonic literature have been collected in a single
volume and thus this publication can justly represent itself as “The
Constellation of the Brotherhood.” First of all, the Anthology pres-
ents portraits of a shining galaxy of brethren who have taken upon
themselves the responsibility to head and lead a newly assembled
group of Brethren, who shared the idealistic intentions and princi-
ples of Freemasonry. These are portraits of the first Grand Masters
of Grand Lodges, first Grand High Priests of Grand Chapters, first
Grand Masters of Grand Councils, and first Grand Commanders of
Grand Commanderies. This visual array in the Anthology is, regret-
fully, incomplete. The portraits of many of the first Grand Officers
either do not exist or have sunk into oblivion. In these instances, in-
stead of the traditional text “portrait unavailable,” the anthology
shows the profile image of a brother in a top hat. The second row of
illustrations depicts the seals of the Grand Lodges, Grand Chapters,
Grand Councils, and Grand Commanderies. The purpose of includ-
ing these seals is to show and confirm the date in which these Grand
Seals first appeared in the Proceedings and thus became accessible
for viewing by the brethren as well as Masonic researchers.
It’s easier to illustrate than to explain. So, to illustrate, here is
a portion of the material relating to Kansas.
GRAND LODGE OF KANSAS 1856 – PRESENT
1856, March 17—Delegates of all chartered lodges of An-
cient, Free and Accepted Masons in Kansas Territory as-
sembled at the Masonic Hall in the City of Leavenworth,
on Monday, March 17, A.L. 5856, A.D. 1856, pursuant to
the action of a Convention for the organization of a Grand
Lodge, held at the same place on the 27th day of December
last, Bro. Richard R. Rees in the Chair....
On motion, a Committee was appointed to report a Consti-
tution and Code of By-Laws for the government of this Lodge.
The Committee appointed on Constitution and By-Laws
WHENCE COME WE...
James T.
Tresner II, 33°,
Grand Cross
Book Review
Editor
28. 26 THE SCOTTISH RITE JOURNAL July/August 2016
made the report ... and on motion the Constitution, as report-
ed, was unanimously adopted....
TheM.W.G.M. thenproceededtoinstalltheGrandOfficers.
At the request of the members the M.W. Grand Master proceed-
edtoexemplifythesecondsectionoftheThirddegree.
Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of the Fraternity of Ancient Free
and Accepted Masons of the Territory of Kansas, Convened at the City
of Leavenworth, K.T, on the 17th of March, A.D. 1856, A.L. 5856.
Lexington:Smallwood&Julian,BookandJobPrinters,1856.
1856, March 17—Brother Richard R. Rees was duly elected
and installed as the First Grand Master.
GRAND CHAPTER OF ROYAL ARCH MASONS
OF KANSAS 1866 – PRESENT
1866, January 27—According to previous notice, delegates
from the different Royal Arch Chapters in the State of Kansas
assembled at Masonic Hall, in the City of Leavenworth, January
27th A.D. 1866, A.I. 2396, for the purpose of taking preliminary
measures toward the organization of a Grand Royal Arch Chap-
ter for the State of Kansas.
. . . . . .
On motion, Resolved, That a Committee on Credentials
be appointed
... who report the following Delegates present and entitled to
seats in the Convention.... On motion, it was Resolved, That the
Convention now proceeded to the election of officers ... and the
following named Companions were declared the Officers elect.
1866, February 26—The Convention met pursuant to adjourn-
ment.... The Secretary then read the following [authorization]
from R.E. Ira A. W. Buck, D.G.G.H. Priest of the United States ...
Comp. S. T. Walters moved that the Officers elect for the Grand
Chapter be now installed....
Proceedings of the Organization of the Grand Chapter of Royal
Arch Masons of the State of Kansas, together with its Constitution and
By-Laws.Leavenworth:BulletinOffice SteamPressPrint, 1866.
1866, February 26—Companion Richard R. Rees was duly
elected [January 27] and installed as the first Grand High Priest.
GRAND COUNCIL OF ROYAL AND SELECT MASTERS
OF KANSAS 1867 – PRESENT
1867, December 11—A Convention of delegates from the
several Councils of Royal and Select Masters of the State of
Kansas, met at the Masonic Hall, in the City of Leavenworth,
on Wednesday evening, Dec. 11th, 1867, A.L. 5867, A. Dep.
2867, for the purpose of forming and organizing a Grand
Council of Royal and Select Masters, for the State of Kansas.
. . . . . .
Upon motion ... the Constitution was adopted as whole,
as read. The Committee further reported a Code of By-Laws,
which were read and adopted. Upon motion the Grand
Council proceeded to the election of officers for the ensu-
ing year.... Proceedings of a Convention of Royal and Select
Masters, Held in Leavenworth, December, 11th and 12th
A.L. 5867. And the Organization of a Grand Council of
Royal, Select and Super Excellent Masters, for the State of
Kansas. Leavenworth: P. H. Tieman, 1867.
1867, December 12—Companion Richard R. Rees was duly
elected as the First Most Puissant Grand Master.
GRAND COMMANDERY OF KNIGHTS TEMPLAR
OF KANSAS 1868 – PRESENT
1868, October 21—Pursuant to previous agreement, the
representatives of the four Commanderies of Knights Tem-
plar and Appendant Orders existing in the State of Kan-
sas, working under charters from the Grand Encampment,
Knights Templar of the United States, assembled at Masonic
Hall, in the City of Lawrence, on Wednesday, October 21,
1868. Sir O. A. Basset stated the object of the Convention to
be, to take the necessary preliminary measures for the orga-
nization of Grand Commandery of Knights Templar and the
Appendant Orders for the State of Kansas, and offered the
following resolutions, which were adopted:
. . . . . .
Proceedings of the Organization and First Annual Conclave of the
Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of the State of Kansas.
Leavenworth: Bulletin Steam Printing House, 1869.
1868,December29—SirKnightWilliamO.Gouldwasdulyelect-
ed andinstalledastheFirstRightEminentGrandCommander.
SCOTTISH RITE
1868, May 7—Charleston. Hall of Delta Lodge of Perfec-
tion. Thursday. 2:00 o’clock, p.m. The Supreme Council
29. July/August 2016 THE SCOTTISH RITE JOURNAL 27
was opened in its Consistorial Cham-
ber.... On the nomination of Illustrious
Bro. Parvin, Bro. Erasmus Theodore
Carr, of Leavenworth, Kansas, was
elected a Sovereign Grand Inspector
General and Active Member of the Su-
preme Council. [TS:1868:81].
1868, September 18—St. Louis. Hall of
Occidental Lodge, No. 163. Friday. 10:00
o’clock, a.m. The honorary members hav-
ing retired, Illustrious Brother Carr [was]
crowned with the degree and rank of Ac-
tive Member of the Supreme Council for
Kansas. [TS: 1868:107–108].
. . . . .
1884, October 20—Washington. House
of the Temple. Monday. 2:00 o’ clock, p.m.
The period of recess having expired, the
Supreme Council again assembled, and
Grand Lodge of Perfection, 14°, was de-
clared opened. The Grand Commander
then read the following Allocution: ...
SinceourlastsessionthefollowingBodies
have been established and are at work: ...
William de fa More Preceptory of Kadosh
at Lawrence Particular Consistory, at
Leavenworth. [TS: 1884:22].
SUMMARY
1867, August 10—Leavenworth Lodge
of Perfection, No. I, Leavenworth.
1881, February 17—Unity Chapter of
Rose Croix, No. 1, Topeka.
1883,December12—WilliamdelaMore
Council of Kadosh, No. 1, Lawrence.
1884, September 30—Leavenworth Con-
sistory, No.1, Leavenworth.
I’ve made a hash of it, trying to include
a little about each of the Bodies, but per-
haps you can get the flavor. This is a very
good book if you are interested in the his-
tory of Freemasonry in general or the Ma-
sonic Bodies in your state in particular.
Young, Toni, The Grand Experience: A
Drama in Five Acts, Containing a Description
of Wilmington’s Grand Opera House & Ma-
sonic Temple, a Victorian Building in the Sec-
ond Empire Style and A History of the Many
Parts it has Played in the Delaware Com-
munity for more than a Century, American
Life Foundation, 1976, paperbound, many
illustrations in black and white, ISBN-13:
978-0892570-126, available in the Internet,
used,fromabout$4.00.
Speakingofourhistory,Ilovethehistory
ofouroldandgreat Masonicbuildings.Itis
bittersweet, of course—there is more than
a little of the “how have the mighty fallen”
to it. Still, it is a history well worth know-
ing.Thisbook,publishedin1976,isthehis-
tory of such a grand old building. There are
many illustrations, some photographs but
many more engravings. It is a history writ
in stone of a wonderful structure from the
time that no expense was too great for Free-
masonry. It is not an expensive book, at
leastatthepricesIhaveseen,butitmakesa
niceadditiontoaLodgeorpersonallibrary.
The Regius Poem (annotated) Kindle
Edition available at Amazon to down-
load for $0.99.
Usually considered the oldest Masonic
document ever discovered, the Regius
Poem (AKA the Halliwell Manuscript
is in the form of a didactic or teaching
poem in the tradition of “Red sky at night,
sailor’s delight; red sky at morning, sailor
take warning.” It’s purpose isn’t to be good
poetry, and it is not, but rather to make
things easier to learn and remember. It
deals with the responsibilities of craft ma-
sons in lodge, and is the apparent source
of some of the traditions we still follow in
speculative Freemasonry. Scholars origi-
nally dated it to about A.D. 1380 by some
recent scholarship has suggested a later
date. If you do not own a copy, this is an
opportunity to have one on your electron-
ic reading device. A note of caution, the
title lists it as “annotated.” While I would
love to have a truly annotated version, the
“annotation” here consists of a version in
modern English to accompany the origi-
nal in earlier English.
And finally, a footnote (as it were)
to the column in the last issue regard-
ing Masonic music. After the column
was written, I became aware of an im-
portant contemporary Masonic com-
poser living in Austin, Texas.
Bass,RandolA.(Composer)AFeastofCar-
ols,AudioCD,KodanjaRecords,Ltd.,2003,
availableontheInternetforabout$18.00.
This is a really enjoyable CD. The or-
chestra is the National Symphony Orches-
tra of London, the voices are the Tallis
Chamber Choir, and Sir Derek Jacobi nar-
rates “The Night Before Christmas” over a
orchestral background. Brother Randon
Bass, 32˚, conducts. The arrangements of
the carols are powerful but never lose the
simplicity of the original tunes. The piety
comes gently through the carols as deftly
as the warm humor comes through “The
Night Before Christmas.”
As a special treat, you can also go on
Amazon and download the single song
“Casey at the Bat.” This is a vast amount
of fun. It is narrated by Sir Derek Jacobi,
and it is a joy to hear this great pillar
of the English theatre reading in a per-
fect Brooklyn accent. It only costs 89¢.
There may be no joy in Mudville, but
there will be joy in your spirit.
30. 28 THE SCOTTISH RITE JOURNAL July/August 2016
Forging Freemasonry’s Next Working Tool
The Rebuilding the
Temple Campaign
(RTC) was launched
to support the
growing needs of the
House of the Temple
Historic Preservation
Foundation, Inc.
Funds raised through
the RTC go toward
crucial, multi-million
dollar rehabilitation
objectives and
renovation projects
that will help to better
preserve the history
of Freemasonry and
communicate its
legacy to visitors.
RRReeebbbuuuiiillldddiiinnngggRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRReeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeebbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiilllllllllllllllllllddddddddddddddddddddiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnggggggggggggggggggg ttthhheeettttttttttttttttttthhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee TTTeeemmmpppllleeeTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeemmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmpppppppppppppppppppllllllllllllllllllleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee CCCaaammmpppaaaiiigggnnnCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaammmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmppppppppppppppppppppaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigggggggggggggggggggnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn
Temple Offers New Cataloging Internship
You may know the Supreme Council
offers a unique opportunity for
students to serve as docent interns at
its headquarters in Washington, DC.
Students from a variety of academic
fields who are interested in non-
profit, museum, philanthropic,
fraternal, and historic
organizations receive a
first-hand opportunity
to work with leaders of
the organization as well as
national and international visitors
who tour the House of the Temple.
Now, we are excited to offer a
brand-new cataloging internship,
exclusively for undergraduates,
graduates, or recent graduates of a
museum studies, library science, or
similar degree program. This internship
provides students or recent graduates
the opportunity to take what they have
learned in their studies and apply it in
the workplace. Interns will work under
the supervision of the Museum Curator
and will work specifically on cataloging
artifacts and archival material as we
prepare for upcoming House of the
Temple renovations. We have five to
eight slots available.
If you or someone you know meets
the above criteria, please encourage
them to apply. For more information,
email jpoole@scottishrite.org.
Current State of the RTC
year-to-date
Cash/Cash Pledges . . . . . . . . . . .$490,000
Planned Gifts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,790,000
campaign-to-date
Cash/Cash Pledges . . . . . . . . . .$12,031,227
Planned Gifts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $32,928,527
Cataloging Internship
At-a-Glance
Requirements
• Knowledge of the principles
& procedures of professional
museum/library work including
methods, practices, &
techniques of cataloging;
• Effective writing skills;
• Ability to effectively & efficiently
catalog & inventory artifacts,
documents, etc.
Work Hours
Please inquire for current staff hours.
Cataloging interns will not work more
than 28 hours per week.
C h Pl d $12 0h/C h Pl d $4
21% 27%
79% 73%
COLLECT
IO
N S
Photography:(AmericanismExhibit)JeriE.Walker;
(ArchivesVault)ElizabethA.W.McCarthy
CURRENT
TOTAL
$44,959,754
31.
32. 7
THE SUPREME COUNCIL, 33°
1733 16TH STREET NW
WASHINGTON, DC 20009–3103
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
For more information, check out the article on p. 20 of this issue.
