Knights of Saint Andrew Valley of Omaha

Transcription

1 Knights of Saint Andrew Valley of Omaha Membership Handbook Approved for Use: September 12, 2015 Printed: May 2016

2 2

3 Table of Contents Service and Leadership page 4 History of the 29 th Degree page 5 History of the KSA in Omaha page 6 Constitution of the KSA page 7 By-Laws of the KSA page 11 Vision and Mission Statement page 24 Goals and Objectives Statement page 25 Set up of the Lodge Room page 27 Opening Ceremony page 28 Closing Ceremony page 33 Knighting Ceremony page 35 Venerable Masters page 39 3

4 Service and Leadership Greetings fellow Knight, Welcome to the Omaha Knights of Saint Andrew (KSA). This Handbook was written to provide a collected record of our history, Constitution, By-Laws, and opening, closing, and Knighting Ritual. I hope this will prove useful for you as you get involved in the Knights of Saint Andrew. As the premier service organization for Black Hats in the Omaha Valley, the KSA is present at all major events. Our members have an opportunity to get involved in the Valley, meet their Scottish Rite Brethren, and in return, get known themselves. Members of the Knights of Saint Andrew develop leadership skills through serving on committees or as officers of the Chapter and become valued members of the Omaha Valley. Like all Masonic bodies, what you get out of your membership depends on what you put into it. I hope you will get involved with the Omaha Valley Knights of Saint Andrew, support events, fundraisers, and the officers of the Chapter. Fraternally, Micah I. Evans Past Venerable Master (2007) 4

5 History of the 29th Degree The Order of the Knights of the Temple of Solomon, or The Knights of the Temple, originally called the Poor Fellow- Soldiers of Jesus Christ, was established in Pope Clement V declared it heretical at the insistence of Philip the Fair of France in The leadership of the Order in France was arrested and imprisoned, many executed and more tortured, and all impoverished. After Grand Master Jaques DeMolay was burned alive on the 15 th of March 1314, the Templars no longer had a common head, nor could they maintain their Order which had become so famous. In England, King Edward II proscribed them and forbade them to remain in the realm, unless they entered the Preceptories of the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem. There is a legend that in Scotland they found protection and joined the army with which King Robert the Bruce met the invasion of his country by King Edward II of England. The Battle of Bannockburn was fought on the 24 th of June In consequence of the assistance reputedly rendered him by the Templars, King Robert the Bruce created and received them into the Order of Saint Andrew du Chardon, meaning of the Thistle, of Scotland. King Robert the Bruce reserved to himself and to his successors the title of Grand Master of the new Order. Prince Charles Edward Stuart was the last Grand Master of the Order of Scotland and exercised his powers in France, by establishing a Chapter Rose Croix of Heredom at Arras. The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite was finally organized by men in possession of the Degrees of the Rite of Heredom and Perfection, and of other Rites and detached degrees that had been from time to time established in Scotland, France, Germany, and elsewhere. The Order of the Scottish Knights of Saint Andrew became 29 th Degree of the new Rite, formed by selecting from the different Rites and Observances, seven Degrees, in addition to the twenty-five of Perfection; and creating the 33 rd Degree, as the supreme and last Degree to rule the whole. 5

6 History of the KSA in Omaha In early 1993 the late Ill. Weldon Good, 33, of the Tulsa Valley, Oklahoma, recognized the need for assistance during Reunions. He noticed that Masons were joining the Scottish Rite but were not returning to assist and participate. To rectify this, he developed the organization now known as the Knights of Saint Andrew as a service group for the Valley. The By-Laws for this new organization stated that the Knights of Saint Andrew would be a Black Cap group and any member who received the honor of KCCH Knights Commander of the Court of Honor could not hold an office or vote, but they could still work and assist. The main duties of the Knights of Saint Andrew were to assist as needed during a Reunion and be available to the General Secretary for any assigned duties. Finding that the Knights of Saint Andrew worked so well in Oklahoma, the Knights of Saint Andrew has spread successfully throughout the Southern Jurisdiction of the Scottish Rite. In 2001, the Valley of Omaha received its Charter from the Valley of Wichita, Kansas. Since 2002, the Knights of Saint Andrew have evolved into a valuable organization within the Omaha Valley. The Knights of Saint Andrew greet guests at weddings/receptions, tend bar, set up for Scottish Rite dinners and outings, host breakfast at Scottish Rite Reunions, and greet guests at other events in the Valley. Monies raised by the Knights of Saint Andrew allow the Valley to make purchases not normally included in the budget. In the past years, the Knights of Saint Andrew has donated over $35,000 back to the Valley, including brass lamps in the 33rd Degree Room, 3 defibrillators, granite office counter tops, high-capacity ice maker, patio benches, display panels for class pictures, first-aid/cpr training kits, installation of new curtains for the theater and much more. In Omaha, Knights wear the MacRae Red Modern Tartan in honor of the family tartan for Brother Jim Wolfe, 33, who was instrumental in the establishment of the Knights of Saint Andrew in Omaha in The KSA presents the Dennis P. Samuelson Service Award each year in recognition of a Knight who has demonstrated exceptional service to the Valley as a volunteer. 6

7 Article I - Name Constitution of the KSA The name of this organization, which is chartered and authorized through the Advisory Conference of the Valley of Wichita, Orient of Kansas, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, shall be known as: The Knights of Saint Andrew. Article II - Purpose The Knights of Saint Andrew shall exist for the purpose of a service organization on behalf of all members of the Omaha Scottish Rite, under the immediate supervision of the General Secretary or his Designee, so as to better serve our brethren, their ladies and guests who participate in Reunions and social activities of the Omaha Scottish Rite, in the capacity hereinafter set forth. Article III - Membership Section 1 Charter Members For the purposes of establishing the initial membership of the Knights of Saint Andrew and to assist in its formative process, the General Secretary of the Omaha Scottish Rite, shall invite Charter Members of the Knights of Saint Andrew from among the active membership of the Valley of Omaha. At such time as the General Secretary shall determine that the Knights of Saint Andrew has been duly formed, the Constitution and By-Laws ratified, all Charter members who are not then eligible for membership as Active Members shall be made "Emeritus Members" upon the approval of the General Secretary. All privileges pertaining to Charter Membership of the Knights of Saint Andrew shall terminate for Emeritus Members: provided, however, such persons who are Charter Members, and have been made Emeritus Members, may continue to wear any insignia designated them as a member of the Knights of Saint Andrew, to participate in stated meetings and activities, but not to vote or chair a committee as long as they remain a Scottish Rite Mason in good standing. 7

8 Section 2 Active Members After the organization of the Knights of Saint Andrew is sufficiently established as set forth in Section 1 above, all further Active Members of the Knights of Saint Andrew shall be taken exclusively from the membership of the Omaha Scottish Rite who have not as of the date of their admission received honors as Knight Commander Court of Honor (KCCH) or 33 rd Degree Honorary. Section 3 Emeritus Members If at any time during the active membership of any member in the Knights of Saint Andrew, such members shall be honored by admission to the ranks of 32nd KCCH, such member shall forfeit his Active Member status in the Knights of Saint Andrew, but will be eligible, automatically, for continuing Membership as an Emeritus Member. However, a KSA officer who receives admission to the ranks of KCCH will continue in his office until the end of his current term and be entitled to propose motions and vote for the remainder of the year. If he resigns his office, he immediately will be deemed an Emeritus member. All Emeritus Members in good standing shall be entitled to wear all appropriate insignia of the Knights of Saint Andrew. Section 4 Officers Additionally, the Charter Members and, thereafter, the Active Members shall elect from among their membership the following officers: Venerable Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, and Secretary-Treasurer. Said officers are to be elected in December and shall serve a period of one year. Article IV Meetings Section 1 Calendar Year The Calendar Year is to be designated as January1 to December 31. 8

9 Section 2 Stated Meetings Stated meetings shall be held each month. The last stated meeting of each Calendar Year is to be designated as the Annual Meeting. In addition to stated meetings, the Venerable Master and the General Secretary of the Omaha Scottish Rite may call special meetings at such times and places as are convenient and expedient to the membership. Article V By-Laws Section 1 By-Laws The By-Laws for the Knights of Saint Andrew shall be prepared, presented and ratified by the Charter Members (and thereafter the Active Members). After ratification, they shall be presented to the General Secretary for due process. The By-Laws shall be sanctioned and authorized prior to termination of the powers granted herein to Charter Members. Section 2 By-Laws Updates The By-Laws shall be reviewed periodically as deemed appropriate by the Venerable Master and/or Active Members. A By- Laws Committee shall be established to prepare, present and have all proposed amendments ratified by the Active Members of the Knights of Saint Andrew prior to submission to the General Secretary for revision. The established process shall approve all additions and revisions to the By-Laws. Article VI - Constitutional Amendments This Constitution may be amended by the following process. The proposed amendment(s) will be presented in written form and read aloud at a regularly scheduled meeting. Written notification of the proposed amendment will be made to the active membership and the amendment will then lay over until the next scheduled meeting when it will again be read and then voted upon by the Active Members in attendance. A two-thirds majority vote is required for the amendment to be ratified. The amendment will then be submitted for approval and publication by the General Secretary as an addition to the Constitution. 9

10 Ratified Ratified by a majority of the Knights of Saint Andrew on this 12 th day of September, Venerable Master: Donald R. Kavalec, 32 KCCH-elect Senior Warden: David E. Meinzer, 32 Junior Warden: Wade A. Ridout, 32 Secretary-Treasurer: A. Carl Highman, 32 Approved By: Curt Edic, 33, General Secretary 10

11 By-Laws of the KSA Preamble As it is the stated purpose of the Knights of Saint Andrew to work diligently for our Brethren of the Scottish Rite Bodies and Temple Organizations, we, the Membership of the Knights of Saint Andrew of the Omaha Scottish Rite, declare that the Constitution, By-Laws, and Purposes must always conform to and never be in violation of the Constitution and Code of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Nebraska or the statutes of the Supreme Council of Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States of America. Article I Membership Section 1 Application An applicant must be a member in good standing in both their Blue Lodge and a recognized Valley of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite (SMJ or NMJ) to be eligible for membership in the Knights of Saint Andrew. Before election to membership, applicants must also have witnessed the enactment of the 29th Degree at a Scottish Rite Reunion. Membership as an Active Member of the Knights of Saint Andrew shall be made by written petition and submitted to the Secretary-Treasurer of the Knights of Saint Andrew with the proper fees (see Article V, Section 1). Upon receipt of a petition for membership, the Secretary-Treasurer shall present the petition to the membership at that initial stated meeting or at the next stated or special meeting of the Knights of Saint Andrew. The Secretary- Treasurer shall read the name of the applicant to the membership, together with other pertinent information as such petition may contain. The Venerable Master shall then call for a vote by either acclamation or secret ballot. No rejection for membership shall prejudice such applicant from again submitting a petition for membership in the Knights of Saint Andrew to the General Secretary or an Active Member of the Knights of Saint Andrew. 11

12 Section 2 Active Members All accepted 32 petitioners will be considered as an Active Member of the Knights of Saint Andrew upon an affirming vote by the membership, providing they are a member in good standing in a recognized Blue Lodge and a recognized Valley of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite (SMJ or NMJ) to be eligible for membership in the Knights of Saint Andrew, and have witnessed the 29th degree, as stated above. Active Members are entitled to attend regular and special communications, make motions, vote, hold elected and appointed offices, and serve and chair committees in the Knights of Saint Andrew. Section 3 Emeritus Members All accepted 32 KCCH and 33 petitioners will be considered as an Emeritus Member of the Knights of Saint Andrew upon an affirming vote by the membership, providing they are a member in good standing in a recognized Blue Lodge and a recognized Valley of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite (SMJ or NMJ) to be eligible for membership in the Knights of Saint Andrew, and have witnessed the 29th degree, as stated above. Knights of Saint Andrew officers who receive admission to the ranks of Emeritus Membership status by being invested with the 32 KCCH will continue in their present office, propose motions, vote, and chair committees until the end of the year. Emeritus Members are entitled to attend stated communications and activities, but are not eligible to make motions, or vote. Emeritus members may serve on committees in an advisory capacity. Section 4 - Charter Members Charter Members are defined as one of the original membership of the Knights of Saint Andrew when the organization was formed. They shall have no additional rights and privileges other than those defined for Active and Emeritus members. Article II Meetings Section 1 Stated Meetings Stated meetings of the Knights of Saint Andrew shall be held the 2nd Saturday of each month unless notified of a change of date due to holidays, conflicting special events, or called as necessary with the membership to be notified electronically at least 10 days prior to the meeting date. The last stated meeting of each calendar year is to be designated as the Annual Meeting. 12

13 Section 2 Annual Meetings The Annual Meeting of the Knights of Saint Andrew shall be held on the 2nd Saturday in December of each year. During the Annual Meeting, in addition to the other business as may be properly brought before the Knights of Saint Andrew, the Active Membership shall elect officers for the succeeding calendar year and the Venerable Master-Elect shall make his appointments and appoint such ad-hoc committees as are deemed expedient by the membership. In the event of bad weather, conflicting special events, or unforeseen situations, the Annual Meeting may be cancelled and rescheduled by the Venerable Master with the advice and consent of the General Secretary. All due effort will be made to contact the membership and inform them of a date change. Section 3 - Quorums A quorum for the transaction of business at any stated or special meeting shall consist of at least seven (7) Active Members, one of whom must be either the Venerable Master, Senior Warden, or Junior Warden. The Venerable Master will preside over all meetings. The next highest ranking elected Warden present will preside in the event that the Venerable Master is unable to serve at a stated or special meeting. Section 4 Executive Committee The Executive Committee will meet as needed. The Executive Committee will consist of the Elected Officers of the Knights of Saint Andrew, including the General Secretary of the Omaha Scottish Rite as an ex-officio officer of the Knights of Saint Andrew. The Venerable Master will be responsible for setting an agenda and communicating this to the officers. Any member wishing to bring matters before the Committee will ask to be listed on the meetings agenda by contacting the Venerable Master prior to the scheduled meeting. Section 5 Ex Officio Advisory Conference The Venerable Master may, at his discretion, create an Ex Officio Advisory Conference consisting of the elected officers and the General Secretary of the Omaha Scottish Rite, or any other Active or Emeritus members of the Knights of Saint Andrew he may wish to consult. An Ex Officio Advisory Conference shall have no official authority or duties other than to provide advice to the Venerable Master. 13

14 Emeritus members may serve in an appointive role in the absence of the officer at the discretion of the Venerable Master or Acting Venerable Master. Section 6 Secretary-Treasurer The Secretary-Treasurer must be an Active Member of the Knights of Saint Andrew. Emeritus Members are not eligible to be elected Secretary-Treasurer. The elected office of Secretary-Treasurer will not be considered to be a progressive office, and members may serve as Secretary-Treasurer without having served in any other office. The Secretary-Treasurer may serve for no more than three (3) consecutive elected terms before being ineligible to serve again as Secretary-Treasurer for at least one year. Should the Secretary- Treasurer attain Emeritus status, he will finish his term and be thereafter ineligible for election or re-election. An Emeritus Member may serve as Secretary-Treasurer on a pro tempore basis, in the absence of the elected Secretary-Treasurer and with the approval of the Venerable Master. Article III Appointments Section 1 - Appointments The Venerable Master shall appoint a Chaplain, Senior Deacon, Junior Deacon, and Sentinel. All appointments, other than committee appointments shall be taken exclusively from the Active Membership. The Venerable Master and the General Secretary of the Omaha Scottish Rite may appoint committees as are deemed expedient. Section 2 Standing Committees The Venerable Master at his installation will appoint the Standing Committees. They are (A) Financial Review Committee, consisting of three (3) Active Members, which will review the books at least once at the end of each year, and (B) By-Laws Committee, consisting of five (5) Active Members, one of whom will be an elected officer. Section 3 - Vacancies If an elected office becomes vacant for any reason, the Venerable Master may with the consent of the General Secretary of the Omaha Scottish Rite, appoint a pro-tem officer selected from the Active Membership to fill said vacancy for the remainder of the term. The pro-tem will be responsible for and assume all duties of the office and be afforded all courtesies due him in that office. 14

15 Article IV - Parliamentary Authority All meetings of the Knights of Saint Andrew shall be conducted in accordance with prudent Masonic decorum, as is seemly for the behavior of all Master Masons. Article V - Initiation Fees and Dues Section 1 Initiation Fees Each petitioner shall pay a $50.00 initiation fee with his application, prior to his initiation into the Knights of Saint Andrew. This initiation fee includes the required annual dues for the first year of membership. Upon initiation into the Knights of Saint Andrew, the Secretary-Treasurer will provide the applicant(s) with a dues card, a name tag, a large round Knights of Saint Andrew pin, MacCrae Red Modern Tartan swatch, and a copy of the Members Handbook. See Article V, Sec 2, for information on Life Membership for new members. Section 2 Annual Dues Every Active Member and Emeritus Member who is financially able shall pay annual dues to the Secretary-Treasurer. Active Members will pay dues in the amount of $20.00 per year or $ for a Life Membership. New members purchasing a Life Membership may deduct the original $50.00 initiation fee from the $ total, any time during their first calendar year of membership. Emeritus Members will pay dues in the amount of $5.00 per year or $50.00 for a Life Membership. With the approval of the Venerable Master, the Secretary- Treasurer will waive dues for any Knight under financial distress. The General Secretary shall be considered an Emeritus Member of the Knights of Saint Andrew, but shall be exempt from dues for the duration of his appointment as General Secretary. Section 3 Dues Notices At the request and input of the Secretary-Treasurer, the Scottish Rite Office will mail dues notices to Active and Emeritus Members for the next calendar dues year no later than the first week of October of the preceding year. Dues payments will be remitted to the Scottish Rite Office, made payable to the Order 15

16 of the Knights of Saint Andrew. When dues are remitted, the Scottish Rite Office will mail members dues card on behalf of the Knights of Saint Andrew and inform the Secretary-Treasurer. Section 4 Delinquency Dues are due January 1st of each year. Members who have not remitted annual dues by the 2nd Saturday of January will be considered delinquent. If dues are not paid by April 1st, the member will be suspended. Article VI Resignation Any member may resign if, at the time his written resignation is submitted to the Secretary-Treasurer, he is a member in good standing. Article VII - Expulsion Section 1 Expulsion of Members Under the guidelines set forth by the Nebraska Grand Lodge By- Laws, Chapter XVI, Section for examples of Masonic offenses, if any member conducts himself in such a manner as to reflect discredit on the Knights of Saint Andrew of the Omaha Scottish Rite, the Venerable Master, upon receiving a complaint of such behavior, shall appoint a committee of three (3) Active Members to investigate the conduct of such member. The Junior Warden shall be in charge, and such committee shall make a written report to the Venerable Master within 30 days, providing a copy to the General Secretary of the Omaha Scottish Rite. If it appears from the report of such committee that the complaint is well founded, the Venerable Master shall then proceed to convene a Tribunal within the next 7 days, presided over by the General Secretary of the Omaha Scottish Rite, which shall proceed to notify the member under investigation of such investigation and, if warranted, proceed to conduct trial of the brother for such alleged offense, in every case consistent with the established rules and procedures for jurisprudence of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Nebraska. 16

17 Section 2 Tribunal The Tribunal conducting the trial, as set forth in Section 1 of this Article, shall report its findings in writing and in confidence to the Venerable Master who shall then inform the member so affected as to the recommendation of the Tribunal. In the event the Tribunal finds the brother so tried to be guilty of the charges leveled against him, the Tribunal shall make recommendations to the Venerable Master on appropriate punishment, which may include permanent expulsion from the Knights of Saint Andrew or suspension for such time as the Tribunal finds reasonable. The Venerable Master shall then convene a meeting of the Executive Committee (see Article II, Section 4). The Executive Committee shall determine the punishment to be imposed upon the brother in question, which are permanent expulsion, suspension for such time as the Executive Committee finds reasonable, or no punishment. The sentence so imposed shall be immediately communicated by the Venerable Master to the offending brother and to the Secretary-Treasurer. A copy of such imposition of sentence shall be also transmitted to the General Secretary of the Omaha Scottish Rite. Article VIII Reinstatement Section 1 - Reinstatement An Active or Emeritus member who has become suspended by reason of non-payment of dues shall be eligible for reinstatement upon payment of the current year s dues. At the next Stated Meeting, the Venerable Master shall present such request for reinstatement to the Active Membership without investigation, and the Active Membership shall proceed to vote on the reinstatement of such suspended brother by either acclamation or secret ballot. Either a majority vote or three (3) black balls shall be sufficient to reject the request for reinstatement, but shall not prejudice such suspended member from making subsequent application for reinstatement after six (6) months. The Venerable Master shall immediately inform the member of his rejection or reinstatement into the Knights of Saint Andrew. 17

18 Section 2 Remittance of Dues If the Active Members reject a brother applying for reinstatement, the current year s annual dues as well as any dues remitted while under suspension tendered by the brother shall be refunded without approval of the membership. Article IX - Financial Obligations No debt shall be contracted in excess of the amount of cash on hand in the custody of the Secretary-Treasurer at the time such debt is contracted except on approval of the General Secretary of the Omaha Scottish Rite. Article X - Authority of the Omaha Valley Scottish Rite Section 1 Authority of the Omaha Valley Scottish Rite The General Secretary of the Omaha Scottish Rite, the Sovereign Grand Inspector General (SGIG) for the State of Nebraska, or his Personal Representative shall have the authority to remove from office and declare vacant any office when it shall be deemed for the best interest of Scottish Rite Masonry to do so. The General Secretary of the Omaha Scottish Rite, the SGIG for the State of Nebraska, or his Personal Representative shall have the authority to instruct the Venerable Master, Secretary-Treasurer, or highest ranking officer to call a meeting of the Active Membership for the purpose of holding a special election to select any officer or officers to succeed any who may have been suspended from office by the General Secretary of the Omaha Scottish Rite, the SGIG for the State of Nebraska, or his Personal Representative. Such officers elected at such meeting shall serve from their election and installation until the next Annual Meeting when their regular successors shall be elected and installed. Section 2 Chartering New Chapter(s) The General Secretary of the Omaha Scottish Rite will arrange all chartering of a new chapter or chapters of the Knights of Saint Andrew. Article XI Amending By-Laws These By-Laws may be changed by the following process. The proposed change will be presented in written form and read aloud at a regularly scheduled meeting. The proposed change will then lay over until the next scheduled meeting when it will be read 18

19 aloud and voted upon by the Active Members in attendance. A two-thirds vote of Active Members in attendance is required for the change to be approved. Once approved by the members they will be submitted for approval and publication to the General Secretary. Article XII-Dress Code Section 1 Dress Code The Knights of Saint Andrew shall incorporate a dress code to be adhered to for the purpose of uniformity and coordination of the organization for the various functions of service to and service for the Omaha Scottish Rite. A formal dress and an informal (work) dress code shall be designated and approved by the Active Membership and submitted to the General Secretary for sanction and authorization by the established processes of the Omaha Scottish Rite. Section 2 Determining Style of Dress The Venerable Master shall designate the style of dress for the membership for most occasions. The General Secretary shall direct or determine the dress code for any and all special events the Knights of Saint Andrew will participate in, or when there is a question of proper attire. Section 3 Presentation of Members at Events As one of the most visible organizations in the Scottish Rite, representing the organization at rental events, public events, and internal events, it is important for Knights to conduct themselves and look professional to create a positive and lasting impression on members and the public. Knights must exhibit a positive attitude, willingness to help, and cultivate a uniform and professional image. The Knights of Saint Andrew shall present themselves in a professional manner befitting the honor and the integrity of the Omaha Scottish Rite and the Knights of Saint Andrew. If found dressed in an inappropriate or unsuitable manner for any occasion in which a member of the Knights of Saint Andrew shall participate, he shall be asked to adjust to a more suitable appearance or may be retired from that activity. 19

20 Section 4 Formal and Informal Dress Formal Dress: Dark Suit or Dark Sports Coat Color Coordinated Pants (gray) White Dress Shirt KSA tie or bow tie (MaCrae Red Modern Tartan) Tartan with Badge on right breast Black dress shoes Black standard Glengarry (optional) Officer s tartan fly (optional) Informal Dress: Knights of Saint Andrew work shirt White dress shirt Green Polo shirt with KSA Insignia Black or Tan pants Black shoes Black standard Glengarry (optional) Section 5 Glengarries When worn, the black standard Glengarry is the authorized hat for Knights of Saint Andrew. It is optional wear, but when worn, the only accoutrement will be the large round Knights of Saint Andrew pin. Optional wear of a hackle is also authorized. Authorized hackle colors: Past Venerable Master White (top) with Blue (bottom) Venerable Master White Officers Blue Active Members Red Emeritus Members Red (top) with White (bottom) While it is understood that members may represent more than one category above (i.e., Past Venerable Master and Emeritus Member), members may only wear one hackle that befits the category they choose to represent. It is appropriate for Knights of Saint Andrew to remove their Glengarry during the Pledge of Allegiance and during the prayer given during the Opening, Closing, or Knighting Ceremony. 20

21 Section 6 Service Recognition Program The Recognition Program will consist of awarding service stars to be displayed on the KSA nametag tartan to identify KSA members who have provided service to the Scottish Rite. A bronze service star will be awarded for every four (4) events a Knight supports. After supporting twenty (20) events the Knight will receive a silver star in place of the four (4) bronze stars previously received (ex, twenty -four (24) events would equate to one (1) silver star and one (1) bronze star). Proper placement of service stars is shown in the below diagram. If a Knight volunteers to support an event and does not show up without timely notice to the KSA Event Scheduler two (2) credits will be deducted from his service record. The Venerable Master will appoint the KSA Event Scheduler and he will serve at the will and pleasure of the Venerable Master. The KSA Event Scheduler will be the individual responsible for arranging/scheduling KSA support for rentals. The effective date for the KSA Recognition Program was June 1, Note: The large round Knights of Saint Andrew pin may optionally be worn on the tartan, but if it is not worn on the tartan, no other pin or item may be worn other than the service stars. 21

22 Section 7 Dennis P. Samuelson Service Award The Dennis P. Samuelson Service Award is named after Dennis Samuelson, 32 KCCH, Past Wise Master of Rose Croix (2008) and Past Venerable Master of Knights of Saint Andrew (2005), and recognizes his great passion for Scottish Rite Masonry and the work and membership of the KSA. As the purpose of the Knights of Saint Andrew is to engage Scottish Rite black hats by involving them in the day-to-day operation of the Valley and provide leadership opportunities to its members, the Dennis P. Samuelson Award recognizes the involvement and leadership of no more than two members each year. Guidelines and Criteria: Each year, the Venerable Master, with the advice and consent of a Committee of his choosing, shall choose up to two members for the Dennis P. Samuelson Service Award. The recipient(s) must have been a Scottish Rite Mason in good standing for less than five years. The recipient(s) must have been a Knight of Saint Andrew in good standing for less than three years. Considerations shall include: Attendance at Knights of Saint Andrew meetings Volunteering and participation in Knights of Saint Andrew rental events Service on any Scottish Rite committee, sub-committee, or service project Serving as an officer in the Knights of Saint Andrew The Venerable Master may propose for consideration as many nominees as he wishes, and the committee may rank them or vote, either in person or by , at the Venerable Master s discretion. The Dennis P. Samuelson Service Award does not have to be given each year. It is awarded at the discretion of the Venerable Master. In addition, the award does not constitute a Masonic honor nor offer, promise, or prospect of any further Masonic honor, but adds to the luster of the Knights of Saint Andrew by recognizing the hard work and spirit of service as exemplified by Dennis P. Samuelson, 32 KCCH. 22

23 Section 8 Assisting Brethren Financial assistance will be considered for any member who makes application to the Secretary-Treasurer for purchase of Glengarry, work shirt, and/or tartan tie. The Venerable Master will make the appropriate disposition, with the approval of the Active Members. Ratified by a majority of the Knights of Saint Andrew on this 12 th day of September, Venerable Master: Donald R. Kavalec, 32 KCCH-elect Senior Warden: David E. Meinzer, 32 Junior Warden: Wade A. Ridout, 32 Secretary-Treasurer: A. Carl. Highman, 32 Approved By: Curt Edic, 33, General Secretary 23

24 Vision and Mission Statement Vision The vision of the Knights of Saint Andrew is to inspire service and involvement among all Scottish Rite Masons in the Valley of Omaha. Mission Our mission is: to encourage ethical and moral behavior, reflecting the degrees and lessons of Scottish Rite Masonry in membership daily activities to bring all 32 Scottish Rite Masons together to support the functions and activities of the Scottish Rite, Valley of Omaha to promote leadership among 32 Scottish Rite Masons to create social opportunities for all 32 Scottish Rite Masons to generate funding and revenue in support of the maintenance, philanthropies and operations of the Valley of Omaha to encourage KCCH and 33 membership to serve in an advisory capacity in the Valley of Omaha 24

25 Goals and Objectives Goal: Increase membership among eligible 32 Scottish Rite Masons Strategies Increase awareness about the Knights of Saint Andrew Reach out to new members at Reunions Follow-up and maintain personal contact with new members Communicate regularly with existing and potential Knights of Saint Andrew members Promote opportunities for Scottish Rite Masons to get to know one another at social functions of the Valley Goal: Increase participation and involvement among current KSA membership Strategies Increase awareness about the value the Knights of Saint Andrew provides the Valley through improved communication among members o Periodic e-newsletter or Knights of Saint Andrew Article in Valley News Offer new opportunities to get involved with the Knights of Saint Andrew through service on committees, events, or activities Social activities to promote awareness of Knights of Saint Andrew events and to provide outlets for 32 Masons to enjoy fellowship and fraternity Annual event to recognize Knights of Saint Andrew contributions to the Valley and to recognize members whose service at events merits special commendation o Service stars for members service at rental events o Dennis P. Samuelson Service Award 25

26 Goal: Promote leadership among members Strategies Engage members by having Knights chair or serve on a committee that involves their strengths and interests Seek members input and ideas and have them incorporate those that compliment the Valley of Omaha Recommend members to the Officer Line who can provide the guidance and direction to further the aims of the Knights of Saint Andrew Goal: Raise funds to support the Valley of Omaha Strategies Continue to staff rental events at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center Seek consensus among the members of what items to fund and promote the value of these items to the entire membership o Wish List Report o Recognize the contributions in the e-newsletter or Valley News Engage the entire Knights of Saint Andrew membership in fundraising initiatives that support the Valley Support existing fundraising initiatives for the Valley, the Foundations, and RiteCare Clinics through participation and sponsorship Seek new ideas for fundraisers that continue to engage 32 Scottish Rite Masons 26

27 Setup for Lodge Room Knights of Saint Andrew Lodge is laid out as a traditional Lodge room. The Venerable Master is in the east. The Secretary s table is to his left. The Chaplain sits on the dais, on the Venerable Master s immediate left. The Senior Warden is in the West and the Junior Warden in the South. The Senior Deacon is to the Venerable Master s right. The Junior Deacon is to the Senior Warden s left. The Sentinel sits to the right of the Senior Warden. A candle is placed on the pedestal of the Venerable Master, Senior, and Junior Wardens. The Senior Deacon would light the officers candles from a lit master taper located on the altar, placed to the right of the Bible. The Holy Bible is open on the altar in the center of the Lodge to Proverbs 22:4. A lit portable candle is to the right of the Bible prior to opening. The Square and Compass are open on the Holy Bible as in the Master Mason s degree with two swords crossed above the Bible (not on top of the Bible) in the symbol of a cross of Saint. A trowel is placed above the square and compass on the Bible. A small taper is on the altar on the Masonic southwest corner, which the Senior Deacon uses to symbolically light the tapers on the Venerable Master and Wardens stations. The three lesser lights are placed to the south of the altar, as in a Blue Lodge. They can be turned on before the Chapter opens for business. 27

28 Opening Ceremony VENERABLE MASTER (Raps once to get the attention of the members.) Sir Knights, I am about to open this Chapter according to our custom for the purpose of labor. You will now attend your stations. Sir Knight Sentinel, you will see that the passageway leading to this Priory is secure. (Sentinel departs his station, confirms the doors are secure, and returns to his seat, facing the Venerable Master, standing.) Do you avow that all who are here present are true and lawful members of the Omaha Chapter of the Knights of Saint Andrew? SENTINEL I do, Venerable Master. VENERABLE MASTER (Raps twice, officers stand. Sentinel sits.) Brother Junior Warden, who were the operative Knights of Saint Andrew? JUNIOR WARDEN An order established in the year 1314 by King Robert the Bruce of Scotland, in commemoration of the efforts of the Knights Templar who fought for the King in the victorious Battle of Bannockburn. VENERABLE MASTER Brother Senior Warden, why do we follow their revered footsteps? SENIOR WARDEN As the operative Knights of Saint Andrew pledged themselves to rebuild churches destroyed by the Saracens and to protect and assist pilgrims to the Holy Land, we stand ready to assist in the continual rebuilding of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite by assisting the Priory of Omaha in the presentation of our ritual, guiding our new Brethren to greater light in Masonry. 28

29 VENERABLE MASTER We now devote ourselves to active charity and practical philanthropy, and to the inculcation among men of the principles of toleration and free government. (Senior Deacon proceeds on outside line of march from his station to the Altar, picks up the lit candle on the Altar and proceeds to the Junior Warden) (Wait until the Senior Deacon gets to the Junior Warden) Brother Junior Warden, what are the first duties of a true Knight of Saint Andrew? JUNIOR WARDEN To reverence and obey Deity, to serve truth, and oppose falsehood. (Senior Deacon lights the Junior Warden s candle which is on the Junior Warden s pedestal and proceeds to the Senior Warden s station along the outside line of march) VENERABLE MASTER (Wait until the Senior Deacon gets to the Senior Warden) Brother Senior Warden, what are the second duties? SENIOR WARDEN To protect virtue and innocence against violence, fraud, and defamation. (Senior Deacon lights the Senior Warden s candle which is on the Senior Warden s pedestal and proceeds to the Venerable Master s station along the outside line of march) VENERABLE MASTER (Wait until the Senior Deacon gets to the Venerable Master) And his third duties are to battle manfully for the truth and the right, for free speech and free thought, and to defend the people against tyranny. (Senior Deacon lights the Venerable Master s candle on the Venerable Master s pedestal and returns the candle to the Altar from the South The Senior Deacon then returns to his station on the Venerable Master s right.) 29

30 VENERABLE MASTER (Wait until the Senior Deacon returns to his station.) Brother Junior Warden, what art thou? JUNIOR WARDEN I am a Knight of the Order of the Thistle. VENERABLE MASTER Brother Senior Warden, what is thy purpose? SENIOR WARDEN To serve. VENERABLE MASTER Brother Senior Warden, Whom do you serve? SENIOR WARDEN The Great Architect of the Universe, this Priory, and the Scottish Rite. VENERABLE MASTER And so let us conduct ourselves as true Knights of Saint Andrew and Freemasons. Brother Senior Deacon, reveal the mysteries upon the altar. SENIOR DEACON (Approaches Altar from the west side of Altar along the outside line of march and faces East) The sword belongs to the Knight and is the item used to carry out his duty. Two swords crossed are emblematical of the 29 th Degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite and the Patron Saint of our Order. The trowel represents the working tool of the Master Mason and his Craft, for it is the foundation upon which our Rite stands. The Holy Bible which reveals divine wisdom and is opened to the Book of Proverbs 22:4 and is quoted By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life, which is to remind us that through service to the Lord, we may better serve mankind. 30

31 VENERABLE MASTER (Raps three times, everyone stands) Through the power invested in me as the Venerable Master of this Chapter, the Priory of Omaha, I now declare that we are duly opened and at labor. (The Senior Deacon then returns to his station on the outside line of march) (Waiting until the Senior Deacon returns to his chair) Brother Chaplain, will you give the opening prayer? KNIGHT CHAPLAIN God in heaven, we pray humbly that You will instruct us to be further diligent and ardent in the qualities of our Order: Humility, Patience, Self-denial. Put in us through Your Holy Spirit a commitment to charity, generosity, and clemency. Instruct us now, Lord God, and teach us those things that will help us do Your will. Instill in us moral reason and spiritual wisdom, for the good of our Order and Your people. Amen. ALL So mote it be. VENERABLE MASTER Brethren, you will now join with me in saluting the Flag and saying the Pledge of Allegiance. (Pledge is recited.) VENERABLE MASTER (One rap all sit) 31

32 32

33 Closing Ceremony VENERABLE MASTER (Raps once to claim the attention of the members) Brethren, our labors have now come to an end. Before I suspend work, does any Knight have anything to bring before this Chapter? (After the completion of any comments by the membership, Venerable Master raps twice and Junior Warden stands) (Senior Deacon proceeds from his station to West of the Altar along the outside line of march and proceeds to the Junior Warden s station on the outside line of march) (Wait until the Senior Deacon gets to the Junior Warden) Brother Junior Warden, how goes the hour? JUNIOR WARDEN The night draws near. As it steals away the light of day by its fast approach, let us recall that we, with the same swift step, approach the night of Death and the hour of Judgment. (Senior Deacon extinguishes the Junior Warden s candle and proceeds to the Senior Warden s station on the outside line of march) VENERABLE MASTER (Wait until the Senior Deacon gets to the Senior Warden) Brother Senior Warden, is all then lost and our labors but mere vanity? SENIOR WARDEN Wrong and error rule over all the world and it is only here and there that Truth and the Right are victorious. But morning ever comes at last after the night, and no true Mason despairs of final victory. (Senior Deacon extinguishes Senior Warden s candle and proceeds to the Venerable Master on the outside line of march) 33

34 VENERABLE MASTER (Wait until the Senior Deacon gets to the Venerable Master.) The current labors of this Chapter of the Knights of Saint Andrew are now complete, but before I declare its labors suspended, let us give thanks for those blessings we have received from the Great Architect of the Universe. (Senior Deacon extinguishes Venerable Master s candle and then returns to his station and sits.) (Wait until the Senior Deacon gets to his station.) (Three raps all rise) VENERABLE MASTER Brother Chaplain, lead us in a closing prayer. CHAPLAIN Almighty Father of the Universe, make us henceforth proof of our duties to chivalry and knightly honor; that we know wisdom and virtue and will overcome tempest, force of man, and human injustice. Let us see Thy light in all men, and so guide them to the light which shines even in our darkness. Amen. ALL So mote it be. JUNIOR WARDEN (one rap) SENIOR WARDEN (one rap) VENERABLE MASTER (one rap) Brethren, our labors are now suspended. By the power invested in me as Venerable Master of this Chapter, I now declare this Chapter closed. (Venerable Master raps once and the Chapter is closed.) 34

35 Knighting Ceremony Venerable Master Brother Senior Deacon (rap) you will conduct the candidate to be made Knights of Saint Andrew to the Altar facing East. Optional section Venerable Master Brother Junior Warden (or whomever the Venerable Master selects (may be an Emeritus member to conduct the Knighting)), you will now present the history of the Order. (Venerable Master sits after Junior Warden or designate rises.) Junior Warden (Rising and then reading from memory or a scroll he has with him) The Order of the Knights of the Temple of Solomon, the Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Jesus Christ, was established in In 1307 at the insistence of Phillip the Fair of France Pope Clement V. declared the order heretical. Nearly all of the Order in France were arrested and imprisoned, many executed, more tortured, and all impoverished. The estates of the Order had been confiscated and divided between the Sovereign rulers, the Knights Hospitaliers and the Pope. After the Grand Master and the Grand Preceptor had been burned alive, on the 18 th of March 1313, the Templars no longer had a common head, nor could they maintain their organization under their old name, which had become so famous. The survivors were compelled, for the sake of concealment and safety, to leave their homes, lay aside the garb of the Temple and mingle again in the world. They were censured or otherwise persecuted almost all of Europe and many joined other orders. In Scotland, however, they found protection and joined the army of King Robert the Bruce to meet the invasion of his country led by Edward Long Shanks II, of England. Robert the Bruce defeated King Edward at the Battle of Bannockburn on the 24 th day of June 1314 with the help of the Templars. In gratitude for their assistance that fateful day, Bruce created, and received them into, the Order of Saint Andrew du Chardon (which means of the thistle ), of Scotland. This was afterward annexed to the Degrees of Heredom. 35

36 When the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite was organized by those in possession of the Degrees of the Rites of Heredom and Perfection, and of other Rites and detached Degrees that had been from time to time established in Scotland, France, Germany and elsewhere, the Order of the Grand Scottish Knights of Saint Andrew became the 29 th Degree of the new Rite. The new Rite was formed by selecting from the different Rites and Observances seven degrees, in addition to the twenty-five of Perfection. The 33 rd was created as the supreme and last degree to rule the whole. (He seats himself) Venerable Master (Rising) You have now heard how the Scottish Knights of Saint Andrew came into existence. Earlier while observing the 29 th Degree you pledged yourself to be a true and faithful brother. You also vowed to espouse the virtues of a Knight of Saint Andrew and to remain loyal, humble and modest in all things. Your presence here today is testimony to the fact that you have remained true to these vows. All that remains is for you to confirm your rededication to these principles and to be knighted as one of us. End of Optional Section (Knighting Master raps three times for all to rise and approaches the East Side of the Altar) Knighting Master Brother Senior Deacon, you will present Brother XXXX to the altar. You will kneel at the altar and assume the Sign of the Good Shepherd. (Kneeling at the Altar is optional, based on the health or ability of the Candidate) (Knighting Master proceeds to east of Altar and picks up the dubbing sword.) Knighting Master In the name of God, (touch the flat of the blade to the candidate s head), Saint Andrew, (touch the flat of the blade to the candidate s left shoulder), and St. Michael the Archangel (touch the flat of the blade to candidate s right shoulder), I dub you a Knight of the Ancient and Venerable Order of Scottish Knights of Saint Andrew. Rise good Knight and true Mason. Be faithful, fearless, and merciful. 36

37 (If multiple candidates, the first candidate is helped to rise by the Senior Deacon, stands, and resumes standing with other candidates to the west of the Altar, facing East. Next candidate is brought to the Altar, and optionally, kneels to be knighted by the Knighting Master. Proceed until all candidates are Knighted. Afterward, the Venerable Master may seat them. The Venerable Master may then instruct the Secretary or his designate to present the newly Knighted member with his name badge (if available), MacCrae Red Modern tartan, and round KSA pin) Venerable Master My brethren, I take this opportunity to congratulate you on your preferment and welcome you to the ranks of Omaha Valley Chapter of Knights of Saint Andrew. My Brother Knights, this concludes your Knighting Ceremony. You may now take your seat among your brother Knights. 37

38 38

39 Venerable Masters 2002 Buster Hicks 2003 ## Robert J. Sorensen 2004 Leland L. Meisinger 2005 Dennis P. Samuelson 2006 * Alan L. Nelson 2007 Micah I. Evans 2008 Phillip F. Harris 2009 George A. Pfeffer 2010 Armel E. MacDonald 2011 Armel E. MacDonald 2012 Charles E. Sohm 2013 William N. Wood 2014 Christopher S. Nigro 2015 Donald R. Kavalec 2016 David E. Meinzer * Demitted Deceased ## Suspended 39

40 Knights of St. Andrew Scottish Rite, Valley of Omaha 202 South 20th Street Omaha, Nebraska (402)