Joining the Scottish Rite is the beginning of a Journey NOT A Destination. Help a Brother begin his journey now. Thursday, 17 January 2013

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1 January/ February 2013 Venerable Master, San Antonio Lodge of Perfection Benjamin F. Linduff, 32 KCCH Venerable Master, Rio Grande Valley Lodge of Perfection Thomas Ball, 33 Wise Master, San Antonio Chapter of Rose Croix Daniel K. Schauer, 32º, KCCH, PVM Commander, San Antonio Council of Kadosh Nick R. Ramos, 32º, KCCH Venerable Master of Kadosh, San Antonio Consistory John R. Dunn, 32º, KCCH Almoner Elliott B. Samuels, 33 Phone: Secretary, Recorder and Registrar GERALD F. NOWOTNY, 33 Phone: (210) Treasurer LARRY G. WALLIS, 33 Joining the Scottish Rite is the beginning of a Journey NOT A Destination. Help a Brother begin his journey now. January Stated Meeting Thursday, 17 January 2013 Dinner at 6:30pm at the Temple Call Maria at the Office to reserve your meal

2 Scottish Rite News Page 2 PUBLISHED PERIODICALLY BY AND FOR THE SAN ANTONIO SCOTTISH RITE BODIES OF THE ORIENT OF TEXAS 308 Avenue E P. O. Box 2239 San Antonio, TX (210) FAX (210) Toll Free 1 (866) INTERNET: Sovereign Grand Commander RONALD A. SEALE, 33 Sovereign Grand Inspector General in Texas MORGAN DOUGLAS ADKINS, 33 Orient Personal Representative for Mentoring DR. JAMES WALKER TODD, 33⁰ Chairman, Executive Committee and Personal Representative of the Sovereign Grand Inspector General for the Valley of San Antonio REESE L. HARRISON, JR., 33 The next Reunion! 4 May 2013 San Antonio Make a note don t forget! secretary@albertpikedemolay.org Editor: Benjamin Franklin Linduff ben.linduff@gmail.com Copy Editor: Clinton Murray McDonald McKenzie February 7th, Stated Meeting and Installation of Officers Banquet Will be held at the The San Antonio Scottish Rite Bodies meet jointly on the first Thursday of each month. All correspondence and business pertaining to the Valley of San Antonio should be addressed to the Secretary, San Antonio Scottish Rite Bodies. Petroleum Club 8620 N New Braunfels Suite 700 ALLEGIANCE The Bodies of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry sitting in the Valley of San Antonio, Orient of Texas, acknowledge and yield allegiance to the Supreme Council (Mother Council of the World) of the Inspectors General, Knights Commander of the House of the Temple of Solomon, of the Thirty Third and Last Degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States of America, whose See is at Charleston, in the State of South Carolina, now sitting at Washington, D. C.. Price $40 Choice of Steak, chicken or seafood. Call Maria at for reservations. Dress; Officers Tux Members Tux or dark suit Ladies Sunday best Social hour 6:00 pm Dinner at 7:00pm

3 Volume MMXI; Issue 11 Page 3 San Antonio Lodge of Perfection. Brethren, It has been my honor to have had the privilege of serving as your Venerable Master this year. I hope I have met your expectations and that I have kept us on the right track. There have been so many things happen during out 100th year of Scottish Rite Masonry in South Texas it some times seems like a dream. A new Lodge of Perfection in the Valley, new activity in our Clubs, New KSA Chapters, man what a blast! Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity I have enjoyed traveling around our Valley and meeting each of you. What a great Brotherhood we have, again thank you without your support we could not get r done Upon the Level: Benjamin F. Linduff, Venerable Master San Antonio Lodge of Perfection No. 9 Rio Grande Lodge of Perfection Important Scottish Rite Dates January January Stated Meeting 7:30pm Election dinner preceding 23 January 100th Anniversary for the Chapter of Rose Croix February 7 February Stated Meeting Installation of Officers Banquet at the Petroleum Club. March 7 March Stated Meeting 7:30pm April Brethren, the Rio Grande Lodge of Perfection will confer the 4th Degree on Wednesday, February 6th. Supper will be at 6:30pm followed by a short Business Meeting. The Lodge plans to confer the other Degrees between now and May 1st. Contact Tom Ball for further information. Thomas Ball, 33, Venerable Master, Rio Grande Lodge of Perfection 4 April Stated Meeting in Kerrville Feast of Remembrance and Renewal, Host Chapter of Rose Croix April State Wide Scottish Rite Convocation

4 Scottish Rite News Page 4 Venerable Master of Kadosh Brethren, the elections for the Lodge, Chapter, Council and Consistory will be Thursday evening the 17 th of January. There will be new leadership to install next month at the Petroleum Club and then back to what we do. What do we do? We hold the combined stated meetings, of the four bodies, most months with the odd Feast thrown in four times a year. The executive board meets most months combined with the advisory board on several occasions. The approach of the Centennial year, for the remaining bodies, and the long and storied past of San Antonio s Scottish Rite presence In South Texas will bring a few more 100 year celebrations this year. February 7 th will be such a celebration for the Rose Croix Chapter, together with the Installation of officers. We initiate new Scottish Rite Masons twice a year during a very involved and well prepared day (or days) of Reunion. This involves weeks of organization and practice. The switch from communicating to exemplifying the remaining 25 Degrees will greatly expand the Reunions and their preparations. The Charity we support, The South Texas Scottish Rite Learning Center, is doing their job to educate special needs Children in our area, almost every day. Even though the fundraising extravaganza we hold each year, at the Sontara Country Club generates a lot of the money, we need to grow our promotion with more visible support and fund-raising each and every day. Each spring we promote our Masonic roots in education by awarding the Americanism ROTC medals at over 100 High Schools throughout south Texas. The crown in our cap is the NEISD cadet of the year award we give to its outstanding cadet, which includes a traveling trophy and an engraved sword. We present this during a district wide day of Pass and Review, featuring all the District s ROTC programs.

5 Volume MMXI; Issue 11 Page 5 Venerable Master of Kadosh The one job we must do better, in the coming years, is to make the Scottish Rite Cathedral a stand-alone, self-supporting commercial event venue, or sell or give the building to someone or some organization who will. The afore mentioned yearly events and functions are the gravy, we are about to loose the Steak, which is our beloved Cathedral. While the rebuilding of the House of the Temple in Washington DC is sucking all the air out of the room, we have here in Texas and more specifically here in San Antonio, a historic edifice that is every bit as important as the DC building. Our rebuilding donations as well as those being funneled out of Texas should go toward the San Antonio Library and Museum not DC. Someone out there has a contact or can network this task of restoration and marketability. I have mentioned just a few of the things we do. I know I left out a lot of the Scottish Rite events and didn t even touch on the other Masonic events that take place here each month. What do we do is the question, but what we had better do is the statement. We had better solve the building question so we continue to do: WHAT WE DO. John Dunn, 32 KCCH, Venerable Master of Kadosh Concealed Handgun Licensing Program! The San Antonio Scottish Rite will have it s annual CHL Class on 24 February 2013 starting at 7:00am The class is open to all Masons, families, friends, anyone who wants to get a CHL. What you need is a pistol, 50 rounds of ammo, and to preregister on line at the following link; Cost ; $75.00 new ; renewal $60.00 Any Questions contact Robert Madison at

6 Scottish Rite News Page 6 From the Commander Brethren; Happy New Year to all!! Words to Live By: If you believe you are too insignificant to make a difference, Try spending the night with a mosquito in your sleeping bag. Whenever you're in conflict with someone, there is one factor that can make the difference between damaging your relationship and deepening it. That factor is attitude. Our December 20, 2012 Feast of Foundations Stated meeting, held at the Barn Door Restaurant went well. Mrs. Janet Flory, M.A., CALT-QI, Director of Scottish Rite Learning Center of South Texas, presented a short program about the Learning Center. Bro, Harold Red Lohmann KCCH, was presented the DeMOLAY Cross of Honor. Ill Donald P. Garrido, 33⁰ Grand Cross, was presented the Knight York Grand Cross of Honour, Please congratulate our Brothers. As we start the New Year our January 17, 2013 is Election of Officers for 2013, your attendance is requested at this meeting, as we pick our Officers who will lead us for the coming year. I wish to thank you all for allowing me the honor of serving as Commander of the Council of Kadosh this year, and my Officers for the great support they have given, I am proud of you all. CME.. January 31, 2013, At 6:30 PM, Pizza and drinks. Little Dining room, Meeting 7:00 PM, Albert Pike Lodge. Stated Meeting on January 17, We have new Caterers, so come and join us for fellowship and a good meal. Call Marie at the office for reservations. Nick R. Ramos 32⁰ KCCH Commander William James

7 Volume MMXI; Issue 11 Page 7 Book Review The Book "32 Secret Path of Solomon A New Examination of the Qabbalah in Freemasonry" written by Bro Timothy Hogan is a quick primer and look at potential applications of the Qabbalah in Freemasonry. Bro. Hogan wrote in the introduction: "Within Freemasonry itself, in the fourth degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite (SJ), we are likewise taught that qabbalah is the key to Freemasonry, and in fact, Freemasonry cannot be understood unless one has at least a preliminary understanding of qabbalah." I was drawn to this book, as more and more books coming out about Freemasonry concern themselves with an historic account or accuracy of our Craft. Either within a specific time period (Civil War, French Revolution, etc) or trying to explain the reality of the events depicted in our rituals as being either historic or rather "Masonic Tradition". This book refreshingly does not attempt any of that, rather to give the reader the basic tools and understanding of the qabbalah in regards to western esoteric thought. The challenge the author had is that qabbalahism is one of the most studied and written aspects of the Hebrews, and is very complex. The author attempted to break it down simply in how it relates to our Masonic initiation, and how we may meditate and apply it when attempting to apply the rich ritualism and symbols we are taught. My knowledge of qabbalah before reading this book is little to none, which made me the target audience for the author who wrote this pithy 96 page book as a quick primary to the qabbalah and how some of these concepts directly relate to Freemasonry. The book does a good job of introducing what are very basic concepts of qabbalah, different schools of interpretation and explanation of the tree of life. The author does a good job of picking concepts within qabbalahism such as the Sephir Yetzirah and the explanation of said concept. Hogan also does a good job in relating the symbolism threads within the first three degrees of Freemasonry and qabbalah, and if you were not an initiated as a Freemason, would be somewhat confusing. The down side of the book? For 96 pages you pay $15 (or $10 if you own a Kindle). Also, while someone did go through and edit the book, there are repeated phrases in the book like "I should also mention", which after a while I think the author is sending us code. Also, there are some parts of the book that I don't understand, including his personal interpretation of the Tree of Life and the "correct path", which seems contrary to any rudimentary look up of the tree of life (along with his own incorporation of Tarot Cards). It appeared that he started to make assertions, that were left unfinished, or under defended. I would recommend this book as it is an excellent way to start examining your Masonic journey and the potential incorporation of the qabbalah. It is also refreshing to see an honest look at applications of qabbalahism without it taking over all of your free time. Richard Vickery, 32 One in aim, one in name and one in search of learning for tomorrow! Scottish Rite Meeting Times Stated Meetings are on 1 st Thursday each Month at 7:30 PM Members only. Dress: Business, cap, Jewel and your 2012 Dues Card. Dinner is served at 6:30pm. Reservations required. To Reserve your meal call the Office at: Please make your reservation by noon on Tuesday prior to the Stated Meeting. Spouses and guests are welcome to join us for dinner.

8 Scottish Rite News Page 8 San Antonio Chapter Knights of Rose Croix Brethren, In my last article, I wish to thanks all of you that chose to take part in the Scottish Rite activities this year. This is a special time for the Knights Rose Croix as we celebrate our 100th Anniversary this year. Again thank you all your help and I hope to see you at the 100th Anniversary Celebration. Daniel Schauer, 32, KCCH, PVM Wise Master A Chapter of Knights Rose Croix is Formed: 1913 Although the degree work of the lodge was satisfactory to the representative of the Inspector General of the State, it did not follow that the lodge would immediately receive a permanent charter. However, there was indication that it had made sufficient progress to warrant the institution of a chapter of the Knights Rose Croix. Accordingly a petition was prepared and submitted asking that Letters Temporary be granted for Pilgrim Chapter No. 6, Knights Rose Croix. Cochran granted this petition and returned to San Antonio on Thursday, January 23, 1913, for the purpose of instituting this provisional chapter. There were present a number of fraternal representatives from other Scottish Rite Bodies and Cochran again organized the chapter with himself as Wise Master and visiting fraternal representatives filling the other offices. The organization meeting was held in Lodge quarters on the second floor of San Antonio Loan and Trust Building. Thirty-eight members signed the register. After briefly addressing the group, Cochran installed these officers: WILLIAM S. FLY, 32, Wise Master JOHN M. STRAYHORN, 32, Senior Warden CHARLES O. AUSTIN, 32 Junior Warden FRANK R. NEWTON, 32, K.C.C.H., Orator PUTT D. MATHIS, 18, Secretary LEONARD A. HEIL, 32 K.C.C.H., Almoner SAMUEL L. HARRIS, 32, Treasurer JOHN H. HAILE, 32, Master of Ceremonies; PAYTON B. MARTIN, 32, Assistant Expert STEPHEN GOULD, 32, Tiler Max Goodman, 32, who had been elected as Expert, and Oscar Dewees, 32, as Guard of the Temple, were absent and were installed at a later date. The officers having been conducted to their station, Cochran, as Inspector General, declared Pilgrim Chapter No. 6, Knights of Rose Croix, duly instituted and passed the gavel to W. S. Fly, 32, who took the chair as Wise Master. The Chapter was named in honor of Mrs. W. S. Fly who before her marriage to W. S. Fly, 32, (the Wise Master) was Miss Cayloma Pilgrim of Gonzales, Texas. Her father, T. J. Pilgrim, was a member of Stephen F. Austin's colony, and in 1828, while a mere youth, organized the first Sunday School in Texas at San Felipe on the Brazos. He was also the official translator and interpreter of the Spanish language for Austin's colony. He died in 1877.

9 Volume MMXI; Issue 11 Page 9 Scottish Rite Book Club Those who would like to organize a book club please contact Richard Block our Librarian. Richard_block@mac.com Words to Live By: Life is not a matter of holding good cards, but of playing a poor hand well. Robert Louis Stevenson Scottish Rite Shutzen Society. It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves. Sir Edmund Hillary Lets go shooting! While we still can Contact Bob so you can be added to the list of who like to shoot. Robert C Madison rcmadison@sbcglobal.net

10 Scottish Rite News Page 10 Next Reunion! Is in San Antonio The San Antonio Bodies of the Scottish Rite will hold a reunion on: Saturday, 4th of May Candidates should arrive Saturday Morning at 7:00am. We are receiving petitions now, so get yours in as soon as practical. At Least $80.00 must accompany the petition, with the remainder paid at the time of registration. Visa and Master Card are Welcome. Make Checks payable to the San Antonio Lodge of Perfection, P.O. Box 2239, San Antonio, Tx Phone: , or toll free , fax Forward petitions to the attention of Gerald Nowotny, Secretary. Degree Fees Consider purchasing an endowed membership with your Degree Fees. Candidates age 30 and under: Degree fee is $ Endowed Membership at the time of initiation $2, Candidates age 31 to 74: Degree Fees $500.00, Endowment $2, Candidates 75 and older: Degree Fees $500.00, Endowment $ When purchased together $750.00

11 Page San Antonio Scottish Rite Bodies, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Southern Jurisdiction, U.S.A. Petition for the Scottish Rite Degrees FOR NEW MEMBERS ONLY Date: Print First Name Middle Last To the Officers and Members of the San Antonio Consistory and Coordinate Bodies, and where applicable the Rio Grand Lodge of Perfection: I the undersigned, a Master Mason an a member in good standing of Lodge No. A.F.&A.M., Located at under the Jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of I.D. No. Social Security No. Respectfully petition to receive the Scottish Rite Degrees in your bodies, promising always to bear true faith and allegiance to the Supreme Council of the Thirty-Third Degree for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States of America. As a basis for the consideration of this petition, I truthfully make the following statements: Mailing Address Home Phone Business Phone Cell Phone Date of Birth Place of Birth Employed by Occupation Wife's name Length of residence in Texas I am currently an American Citizen Hat Size Have you previously petitioned for any of the Scottish Rite degrees? Have you passed examination in the M.M. Degree? (If Blue Lodge membership is in Texas) - 1. The Supreme Council announces as fundamental principles the following: The inculcation of patriotism, respect for law and order and the undying loyalty to the principles of civil and religious liberty as set forth in the Constitution of the United States of America. The entire separation of church and state and opposition to every attempt to appropriate public monies, federal, state, or local, directly or indirectly, for the support of sectarian or private institutions. Do you approve wholeheartedly of these principles? (yes or No) 2. Have you ever held or expressed opinions contrary to the forgoing or been affiliated with any organization which has? (yes or no) (If you answered in the affirmative, give particulars) Petitions Signature Recommender Signature: Print Name: Recommender Signature: Print Name:

12 Scottish Rite News Page 12 Master Craftsman Program. Are you too busy to come to one of our Continuing Masonic Education (CME) Classes? Then enroll in the Master Craftsman correspondence program? The Scottish Rite Master Craftsman (SRMC) program is an exciting by-mail correspondence course designed and administered by staff at the House of the Temple in Washington, D.C., under the guidance and leadership of the Supreme Council, 33, of the A. & A. Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction, U.S.A. Consisting of six lessons, it utilizes The Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor and Guide by Arturo de Hoyos, 33, Grand Cross and A Bridge to Light by Rex Hutchens, 33, Grand Cross, as its textbooks, and is available at the low price of $35, plus s/h. For more information, or to sign up and purchase the program, click here. Please click here to download an informational pamphlet. Link to list of Graduates, Master Craftsmen Graduates Master Craftsman study Group. Brethren, We are setting up are second class. Twelve Master s of the Royal Secret graduated the first class. Join us as we start our second session and find the light we were promised. The next class will meet, at noon on the Third Monday at noon (Army Lodge) To sign up for the Course go to the link below and enroll in the Master Craftsman Course. cgi-php/store.php? search=yes&detail=yes&ca tegory=1&subcat=24&item _no=srmmcp Please order your program and try to have the first lesson completed prior to our meeting. Also please drop me a line and let me know you will be attending. Scottish Rite Shutzen Society On the 11th of February we really did have FUN. The Shutzen Society held its 3rd annual Concealed Handgun Course. Eight Masons and their family members attended our course: FUN! FUN! FUN! Robert C Madison

13 Volume MMXI; Issue 11 Page 13 The Scottish Rite Players The Scottish Rite Players Club are a cast of actors dedicated to helping the San Antonio Scottish Rite reach its full potential as the University of Freemasonry in South Texas. As a home to aspiring Laurence Olivier s, Jack Nicholson s, and Robert DeNiro s, participation in the Players Club offers a creative outlet for those who tend to watch movies and plays and say Heck, I could do that!, well, now you can! Come and join us in the exemplifying of the non-terminal degrees in support of the CME Program. Contact James Rodriguez jarodriguez@mac.com or check the following link: Scottish Rite Players Web Page Check the Scottish Rite web site for membership requirements. Visit their web page click Here To see their web page click link below. Royal Order of the Duck Quack! The South Texas Learning Center of San Antonio, now has a Facebook Group Page. Join it at: South Texas Learning Center The Web Site Address is: Learning Center Our Rite Care Clinic is one of our great local charities and is a 501 (c)3 corporation. Make your tax deductable gift today.

14 Scottish Rite News Page 14 San Antonio CME Class The Next CME Class will be January 31st 2013 on the 5th Thursday Pizza at 6:30pm Class to Start at 7:00pm Hope to see you there Words to Live by: Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere. Chinese Proverb The Hill Country Scottish Rite Club meets on the 3rd Thursday of January, April, July and October at 11:30 am for lunch. Meetings are held at the Inn of the Hills, 1001 Junction Highway, Kerrville, Texas The Continuing Masonic Hill Country Scottish Rite Club Education Classes (CME) are held on the First Wednesday of each month. The next class is; TBA At Kerrville Lodge. Costal Bend Scottish Rite Club The Costal Bend Scottish Rite Club is having Continuing Masonic Education Classes (CME) on the third Wednesday of each month. These discussions are not lectures and move at the pace the group sets. CME Classes The next CME class will be; 16 January, 2013 Dinner at 6:30pm Class starts at 7:00pm

15 Volume MMXI; Issue 11 Page 15 Rio Grande Valley Scottish Rite Club CME Classes Classes are held at the Mid-Valley Masonic Center in Weslaco. Meetings will start at 6:30pm, With Dinner served. The next Class will be on the first Wednesday, 6 February How long is your cabletow? Join a Scottish Rite Club in your Area! Scottish Rite Clubs are formed to help keep the spirit of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry strong in outlying areas of the Valley of San Antonio. For information about a particular Club, call the Secretary at the Scottish Rite office ; Use the toll-free number! Area Club Names Reunion Dates for 2013 May 4 San Antonio August 3 Corpus Christi October 19 San Antonio It s as long as you want it to be. It will reach as far as your moral principles go, or your material conditions will allow. The Craft And Its Symbols Corpus Christi/Rockport Rio Grande Valley Beeville/Goliad Laredo/Zapata Mathis Kerrville/Junction Uvalde/Del Rio Uvalde Coastal Bend Rio Grande Valley Brush Country Rio Bravo Lakeside Hill Country Southwest Our valley depends on your efforts. Accept the challenge find at least one new member in Allen Roberts p. 14

16 2013 Installation of Officers for the Rio Bravo Scottish Rite Club and the Seven Flags Chapter Knights of Saint Andrew. Masonic Lodges Who Meet in The Cathedral San Antonio Commandery No. 7 has stated conclaves on the third Monday, in the months of February, May, August, October, November and December at 7:30 PM San Antonio Chapter No.381 and Council No.14 Meets the First Wednesday at 7:00 PM. March, June, September and December Political Freedom, Religious Tolerance, Personal Integrity; Freemasonry; It s not for everyone. Omala Grotto Meets on the 2 nd Friday At 7:30 pm San Antonio Rainbow Assembly. Meets on the Second and Fourth Mondays of Each Month at 7:30pm Albert Pike DeMolay Chapter Meets every Monday at 7:30pm Perfect Union Lodge # 10 Stated Communication 1 st Tuesday at 7:30pm Alamo Lodge # 44 Stated Communication 2 nd Wednesday at 7:30pm DeMolay Lodge # 199 Stated Communication 3 rd Tuesday at 7:00pm Meets Quarterly. Albert Pike Lodge #1169 Stated Communication