REPORTER Vol. XXXVII Published Monthly May 2009

Transcription

1 The Scottish Rite Reporter Prsrt Std U.S. POSTAGE PAID Published Monthly 855 Elm Avenue Permit No. 16 Los Alamitos, CA Long Beach, CA RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Special request: If you are a family member receiving this REPORTER for a member of the Long Beach Scottish Rite, please notify us if this member is in the hospital or incapacitated in any way, Thank you. THE SCOTTISH RITE REPORTER Vol. XXXVII Published Monthly May 2009 PROFILE OF A MASON (No Picture Available) Rick A. Christopherson, 32 (See Bio on Page 11) Learn more about being a Mason, attend the Scottish Rite.

2 Illz Ronald A. Seale, 33, Sovereign Grand Commander Illz William F. Stovall, 33, Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the Supreme Coucil in California LONG BEACH BODIES OF THE ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE OF FREEMASONRY 855 ELM AVE, LONG BEACH, CA Telephone: (562) or (714) FAX: (562) Illz Joseph W. R. Ashwill, 33 Personal Representative of the Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the Supreme Council in California James B. Scribner, 32, KzCzCzHz, Assistant Personal Representative Illz Murray E. Cooke, 33, General Secretary 2009 Officers Chris Christopherson, 32, Venerable Master - L.B. Lodge of Perfection Stanley Ault, 32, Wise Master - L.B. Chapter of Rose Croix Roy E. Steinfeld, 32, KzCzCzHz, Commander - L.B. Council of Kadosh William P. Willis, 32, KzCzCzHz, Master of Kadosh - L.B. Consistory Serving All Bodies Robert J. Moss, 32, KzCzCzHz, Treasurer Douglas Tayrien, 32, Orator Illz Thomas G. Horngren, 33, Almonor Fr. Chuck Maier, 33, Chaplain Illz John R. Jansen, 33, Tiler Harry G. Ben Benezette, 32, KzCzCzHz, Tiler Emeritus Cathedral Staff Ill z Don Fishering, 33, Chief Purveyor Matthew Marfield, 32, K z C z C z H z, Librarian Roy E. Steinfeld, 32, K z C z C z H z,director Sound Department Ira Sadis, 32, Lighting Director Ill z Aldo M. Zanier, 33, Stage Director Ill z Preston M. Jones, 33, Director of the Robing Room 2 THE SCOTTISH RITE REPORTER Degree Staff Illz James Sunseri, 33, Classroom Director Illz Tim Cable, 33, Interim Director of the Work Support Organizations Hans Zuchett, 32, Chieftain, Knights of Saint Andrew Charles H. Bruggeman, 32, KzCzCzHz, President, Talons & Talonetts Scottish Rite Reporter Ben Ponder, 32, K z C z C z H z, Managing Editor & Typesetter 2146 Mt. Shasta Dr., San Pedro, CA (310) bjtypesett@dslextreme.com Fax (310) Ill z Terry T. Sargent, 33, Proofreader SUPPORT THESE MEMBERS WHO ARE MAKING THIS REPORTER POSSIBLE WEDBUSH MORGAN SECURITIES Joseph W. R. Ashwill Assistant Vice President, Investments (949) FAX (949) (888) Joseph.Ashwill@Wedbush.com 1600 Newport Center Dr., Suite 100 Newport Beach, CA Members of the New York Stock Exchange N. Jack Dilday Senior Vice President - Investments Serving Long Beach and all Southern California since 1975 Sales and Service Body Shop Parts and Accessories East Willow Street Long Beach, CA KNIGHTS OF ST ANDREW MEETING, SATURDAY, MAY 16th L.B. SCOTTISH RITE FOLLOWING THE DEGREES OF TALONS & TALONETTS LUNCHEON MEETING THURSDAY, MAY 14th PETROLEUM CLUB 11:30 A.M. Randolph D. Dilday Vice President - Investments Toll Free No East Pacific Coast Hwy., Suite 280 Long Beach, CA FAX SEASIDE PRINTING COMPANY, INC East Fourth Street Long Beach, CA (562) MAY,

3 SUPPORT THESE MEMBERS WHO ARE MAKING THIS REPORTER POSSIBLE Call me, I will take care of all your real estate needs! BROTHER ALDO ZANIER OWNER - BROKER 5924 NAPLES PLAZA LONG BEACH, CA CELL (562) THE SCOTTISH RITE REPORTER Signal Hill High Twelve Club Meets every Tuesday at Noon Coco s Restaurant E. South Street Cerritos, CA Ladies & Guests welcome Sam Fenn, President, THE ROYAL ORDER OF TALONS / TALONETTS This Masonic support unit is open to all members of the Masonic Order and includes wives and widows. We meet monthly on the 2nd Thursday at the L.B. Petroleum Club, 3636 Linden Ave., at 12 noon. Charles Bruggeman, 32, KzCzCzHz, President Past Master s Shrine Club El Bekal Shrine Bi-monthly dinner meetings, second Monday, starting in February Please call for reservations. Ron Schemm, M.D., President Preston Jones, Secretary, Notes from the Personal Representative Illz Joseph W. R. Ashwill, 33 Personal Representative of the Sovereign Inspector General in CA This is the month we honor those celebrating their golden years in Scottish Rite Masonry and we extend our congratulations to those attaining 50 years of membership in our beloved Craft. Those Honors will be presented to those achieving this milestone in their Masonic endeavors at our regular Ladies Night Dinner on Friday May 1st. Come join us in this important celebration to honor these Brethren who have been blessed to reach this station in the eyes of our Supreme Being. Another important component to our Long Beach Scottish Rite, is our Rite Care Childhood Language Clinic. We are gratified with the work that our two Clinicians, Tammy and Shannon, do for us In helping our children communicate. Brethren, miracles still happen, every day, right here in Long Beach California because YOU the members of the Long Beach Scottish Rite, make it possible! However, we along with many other charities, have suffered greatly with the decline in the stock market as these factors have impacted our total asset base and I appeal to each of you to consider a contribution for the benefit of our clinic and the children we support. The month of June will be a very important month as well, for we will be co-hosting the Southwest Regional Reunion Conference, June at our Valley. This is the first time in the history of the Long Beach Valley that an event of this magnitude has been offered to our membership, and your participation will contribute greatly to its success for our Orient s Sovereign Grand Inspector General, Illz William F. Stovall, 33. Remember that this event is a five state Reunion Class, and affords those Candidates participating an opportunity to receive our coveted Gold Card for having received all 29 degrees in a three day time window. You can access all information for this event, including your Candidates Application, by going to the web site at as well as the schedule for the entire program. This will be an event that you will long remember, for no one knows how many of these lie in the future, and I am positive you will be thankful for the memories. Go For It!!! I am sure those who are delinquent in their dues have received a reminder notice, remember your dues keep our Valley alive and functioning for your benefit. However, if for some reason, you find that renewing your dues for 2009 will create a financial hardship, please contact the General Secretary. We are all committed to caring for our Brethren; we stand ready to assist our brethren who cannot renew their membership due to a situation that creates a financial hardship for them, all you need do is call. A reminder to those who have not attended a Ladies Night Dinner or other event at the Long Beach Scottish Rite recently, we are proceeding with our renewal project, and it becomes more beautiful every day. Come on down and join with us for this upcoming dinner and enjoy the warmth and beauty of this stately edifice with your friends and Brothers. Until next time, God Bless MAY,

4 Forgiving Without Condoning or Forgetting By Roy Ellis Steinfeld, 32, KzCzCzHz, Commander of Kadosh I suspect all of us have been hurt in deep and lasting ways by the words or acts of another person. It s normal in such situations to feel hostility toward, be angry with and make negative judgments about the person who hurt us. If we continue to think we were right to be offended, the tendency is to carry the hurt and resentment in the form of a grudge. Usually this causes far more unhappiness for us than the person we are mad at. Some religions speak of forgiveness as a moral duty, others simply as a worthy virtue. Still others impose certain preconditions on the wrongdoers before they are entitled to be forgiven. But whatever your religious views, it s clear to psychologists that the ability to forgive is closely correlated to happiness and mental health. Some people refuse to even entertain the idea of forgiveness because they don t think the person they resent deserves to be forgiven. Others don t want to appear to be condoning or excusing the conduct and they certainly don t want to reconcile with the person. The essence of forgiveness is a voluntary decision to abandon the continuing resentment, to choose to let go of anger, to move on. It does not require or imply condoning, excusing or forgetting. Nor does it require that the forgiver re-establish relationships with the wrongdoer. According to Dr. Ben Dean, the capacity to forgive is related to the character strength of empathy. People who can empathize with the offender and see things from that perspective are better able to forgive. He also says that the older we get, the more forgiving we are likely to become. Hmmm. We usually get wiser too. So, maybe it s wise to forgive. MASONRY MAKING GOOD MEN EVEN BETTER Scottish Rite Word Search By DR Rawson, 32, KzCzCzHz We know that there are many of you who enjoy these types of puzzles. So, here s what we have done. The puzzle below contains words that were used in a previous REPORTER. We hope you enjoy this, please let us know. Good hunting! Y T N E W T G K R W N F T G V L K K E L T E F Y E C N R G D N M E D M G C L F M J A E E N Z Y M M H B X F Y R N R S T J U C I I B D A T E D K E C S H L T M L K T N T M Y R T B D R A D N M R E L A U V X R E S I K T A D V O S C E E V O Z T T I J Y E H T Z N N N K W Q M M O M S D E N O R MASONIC SERVICE BUREAU OF LONG BEACH Serving Area Lodges, Visiting Masons and Their Families LAKEWOOD MASONIC CENTER 5918 Parkcrest St., Long Beach, CA Telephone: (562) Fax: (562) ANDY HOWARTH P.O.Box Long Beach, CA Phone: (562) (949) Fax: (562) (310) Toll: (866) 494- EURO (714) H T K L R E R G K L R C Y N N X R E C R U I T I N G CHILDREN, CONVERTIBLE, DESERVE, GENERAL, GRANDMASTER, INTERNET, MAJOR, MASONRY, RECRUITING, SEVENTY, SUMMER, TIME, TWENTY 4 THE SCOTTISH RITE REPORTER MAY,

5 Please join us Friday, May 1st, for our Ladies Night Dinner. Make your reservations early. This is a good time to introduce your friends to Freemasonry. DINNER RESERVATIONS No later than 3 days prior to the dinner Make Check Payable to L. B. Scottish Rite, and mail to L. B. Scottish Rite 855 Elm Ave., Long Beach, CA PHONE RESERVATIONS: (562) (714) secretary@lbscottishrite.com Phone Reservations Must Guarantee to show or pay Vegetarian dinners are available, please let us know at the time of your reservation NAME ADDRESS CITY ZIP PHONE ( ) Event Date $15.00 Each Total $ 20 THE SCOTTISH RITE REPORTER Life Membership Program Long Beach Scottish Rite Under age 49, 21 times annual dues... $1, to 54 inclusive, 19 times annual dues... $1, to 59 inclusive, 17 times annual dues... $1, to 64 inclusive, 14 times annual dues... $1, and over, 11 times annual dues... $1, The advantage of a life membership is that the funds will be contributing to our Scottish Rite in perpetuity and you ll no longer be paying dues. $2.00 per pin The profit of $1.00 goes to the Center. Long Beach Scottish Rite Language Center Give children the freedom to communicate. Support our center with a simple $2.00 donation and receive the pin shown on the left. If you want it mailed to you, please add $.50 per pin. Send your money to: Long Beach Scottish Rite, Center donation. You will be mailed your pin in 5 to 7 days. On behalf of the children, THANK YOU! Donations made are recorded at the time they are received, and depending on the amount, some are acknowledged by special letters to the donors. However, REPORTER deadlines mean that we may not get everyone listed. If you were missed this time, your name will appear in the next issue. We DO appreciate your donations. LANGUAGE CENTER DONATIONS IN MEMORY OF O NEIL SHARP By Connie Jarvis LANGUAGE CENTER DONATIONS Connie Jarvis Long Beach Pyramid #43 Signal Hill High Twelve Club Tito Mancera, Jr. LANGUAGE CENTER DONATIONS WITH DUES Dennis Davis Richard Watson Alvin Sharp Sr. H. B. Carey Alfed Linder, Jr. William Tunnell William Watts Gary Fishbech Ronald Campbell Bill Jarjour Joseph Casaletti III ROBERT A. SMITH RAYMOND CUMMINGS PORTER LEE MOORE ALBERT L. ANDERSON ALBERT L. ZOOK THOMAS ROA In Memoriam LANGUAGE CENTER DONATIONS WITH DUES Robert Lively Leonard Violante Marlin Peterson BUILDING FUND DONATIONS WITH DUES Armando Santana Bil Jarjour Joseph Casaletti III William Tunnell W. J. Taylor H. B. Carey Franklin Nusser Leonard Violante ALMONERS DONATIONS WITH DUES H. B. Carey Franklin Nusser Leonard Violante Joseph Casaletti III William Tunnell Bill Jarjour MERLE ARTHUR SLIGHT CHARLES F. GRANGER, JR. CARL H. ANDERSON JESSE F. STEPHENS JOHN C. HESFORD DENNIS L. MAYS MAY,

6 Library Corner By Matthew T. Marfield, 32, KzCzCzHz, Librarian Diogenes Lamp How often have you heard the expression: Nothing is certain, but Death and Taxes? Do you believe it? Cannot a great author, philosopher, or statesman achieve an immortality of sorts; and can t some clever sort, for a time at least, fall through the cracks at the IRS? I propose that only one phenomenon can be truly eternal, as long as men exist on this planet, and it will follow them from the bottom of the sea, to the farthest reaches of space. This mysterious force I refer to as Human Nature, and will both guide and puzzle us until we are no more. But, is there more than that? This introduction was inspired by the Masonic Book Club s off-beat offering for 2008: Dr. Adam Weishaupt s, Diogenes Lamp, Or an Examination of Our Present-Day Morality and Enlightenment, This being the alleged first English translation, it contains Weishaupt s Enlightenment- Era discourse on Humanities deepest issues that have guided our ancestors, continue to direct us, and what we can do about it. Dr. Adam Weishaupt, who became a Mason in 1777, was the father of the mysterious and notorious Order of the Illuminati. The Powers That Be (As is Their habit) took a dim view of Philosophers and Free-Thinkers that deviated from the party line, and brought its thumb screws to bear on the forwardthinking Order, which officially came to an end in Bavaria in Some conspiracy theorists claim that it never quite died out, but that is another story. Freed from his mortal body in 1811, he left behind a legacy of mystery, and notoriety, as well as a legendary life and a few known texts. This book, steeped with Ideals familiar to Freemasons, challenges the reader to not only know thyself, but to actually acknowledge our humanity in our quest to live those precepts at a higher level. This is not the kind of book that one can casually read; this is genuine food for thought that demands e and focus. Neither is this a book for some other people ; anyone can read this book and, at many different levels, thoughtfully digest these ideas, and bring them to fruition in one s life. This new book has been added to your Scottish Rite Library, and awaits your consideration. Well see you there! Feeling Good about Being Good By Roy Ellis Steinfeld, 32, KzCzCzHz, Commander of Kadosh There is no doubt about it: Moral will power is important to success and to being a good person. In Masonry as well as the Scottish Rite we are frequently confronted with a gap between what we want to do and what we should do. For example, I want to be thin and fit, but I don t want to exercise regularly or deny myself the pleasure of bagels and donuts. I am jealous of people who love exercise and tofu. For them, there is no self-sacrifice in living a healthy life-style. But lots of people like junk food and hate exercise as much as I do, but they do it anyway because they think it s worth it. For younger people, looking good can be enough of an incentive. For us older folks, we ve got to really believe self-denial will result in us feeling better or living longer As many of you know, I have had open-heart surgery. What once was is no longer. I walk about a mile each day, watch my diet, and have to remember that my old life-style does not apply anymore. In effect, it s a cost-benefit analysis, but the benefit is not material. It is mental. One way to increase moral will power is to build moral want power by focusing on the good things we get when we do the right thing. The dubious claim that good ethics is always good business is an attempt to persuade people who are strongly motivated by money and success to see virtue as a straight road to prosperity. The problem is that too many unethical people are successful and too many good people are not at least in the material terms. A better strategy is to focus on all the other sorts of benefits that come from leading a virtuous life, such as better relationships and a fulfilling feeling of self-worth, self-respect and the delicious and exhilarating tonic of the admiration, esteem and pride of people you care about. It s a noble form of selfishness to feel good about doing good. RED SKELTON (Continued from Page 18) justice for all. Since I was a small boy, two states have been added to our country, and two words have been added to the Pledge of Allegiance: Under God. Remember...it s up to you to Make the Peace... take your candle and light your world. Make it a joyful week...and remember where your freedom comes from. 6 THE SCOTTISH RITE REPORTER MAY,

7 HARPO MARX (Continued from Page 10) For the widow distressed, There s a cord in my breast, For the helpless and orphan I feel: And my sword I could draw, To maintain the pure law, Which the duties of a Mason reveal. 18 THE SCOTTISH RITE REPORTER Thus have I revealed, (Yet wisely concealed), What the free and accepted will know. I am one of a band, Who will faithfully stand, As a Brother, wherever I go. RED SKELTON By Roy Ellis Steinfeld, 32, KzCzCzHz, Commander of Kadosh As a schoolboy, one of Red Skelton s teachers explained the words and meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance to his class. Skelton later wrote down, and eventually recorded, his recollection of this lecture. It is followed by an observation of his own. I Me; an individual; a committee of one.pledge Dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self-pity. Allegiance My love and my devotion.to the Flag Our standard; Old Glory; a symbol of Freedom; wherever she waves there is respect, because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts, Freedom is everybody s job. United That means that we have all come together. States of America Individual communities that have united into forty-eight great states. Forty-eight individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose. All divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common purpose, and that is love for country. And to the Republic a state in which sovereign power is invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern. And government is the people; and it s from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people. For which it stands One Nation - meaning, so blessed by God.Indivisible Incapable of being divided. With Liberty Which is Freedom; the right of power to live one s own life, without threats, fear, or some sort of retaliation. And Justice The principle, or qualities, of dealing fairly with others. For All - which means, boys and girls, it s as much your country as it is mine. And now, boys and girls, let me hear you recite the Pledge of Allegiance: I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic, for which it stands; one nation, indivisible, with liberty and (Continued on Page 19) Advertise in the REPORTER Size/Freqency: 3 mo. 6 mo. 12 mo. Business Card: Dbl. Bus.Card: Half Page: Full Page: A business card size ad is $62.50 for 3 months ($20.83 per month). If you are a Masonic organization, the published rates are half of the rates shown. 10 CLUB MEMBERS Over 125 Main, Lewis Jr., Over 50 Hernandez, 32, KzCzCzHz...51 Over 25 Chastain, James A. Sr., Lemons, H. Douglas, Navarro, Benjamin E., Anderson, Ian, 32, KzCzCzHz Bodnar, Bart, Pontello, Frank, Manoukian, Vartan, Thompson, Charles, Jr., Sunseri, James, Over 10 Nomicos, Eugene N., Johnson, Lester Jr., Benton, Lowell E., 32, KzCzCzHz 17 Lopez, John C., 32, KzCzCzHz Benezette, Ben, 32, KzCzCzHz Lord, John, Boyadjian, Sarkis, Ludwig, Bob, Corcoba, Axureliano, Luben, Dougan, Dukellis, Arthur F., Palmer, John A., Garcia, Danny, Sargent, Terry, Thagard, Raymond, Van De Weghe, Bill, Hull, Donald, Wallace, John, Roberts, Edward, Wilde, George, No man is an island. We all need each other and Masonry can be the glue that binds us all. Do you know someone that should be a Mason? MAY,

8 God s Dearest Gift, A Mother By Roy Ellis Steinfeld, 32, KzCzCzHz, Commander of Kadosh Masonry teaches many beautiful lessons, but none of more importance than true respect for womanhood. The following is an adaptation from the Order of DeMolay s flower talk Were I to draw a picture of love divine, it would not be of a stately angel, with a form that is full of grace, but a bent and toil-worn woman, with a grave and tender face. No golden rings would enfold her, nor rosy her cheeks, not fair, But the face of an angel of pity, framed in snow-white hair. Her hands are not white and slender, But roughened with work and woe, by bearing others burdens and soothing the tears that flow. No halo of light surrounds her, no wondrous power she hath, but many and many blessing, Is spoken along her path. Others may paint their angels with white-robed forms of grace, but my sweet angel of pity, Has my mother s care-worn face. There is no man so vile, so base, so low, but who, in his sin-stained soul, keeps pure and apart a little place for his mother s memory. And when, in the silent watches of the night, his mind turns back to childhood hours, he remembers that mother, and is thereby drawn closer to God. There is no other word in the English language that raises a lump in our throats like the word, Mother. There is something so sacred in it s meaning that poets and philosophers have never been able to describe the impact of it utterance. It is strange that every year we set aside a special day to honor mothers because just one day is not adequate enough to express our love. For it has been said God could not be everywhere, so he made Mothers. The Bible reminds us he that honoreth his mother is as one that layeth up treasure. A man s value can be pretty well determined by his relations with his mother by the way he looks at her speaks to her. Mother s Day is to remind us of those sentiments of love and respect. Christopher Morley made a most profound statement, A man s mother is so tissued and woven into his life and brain that he can no more describe the air and sunlight that bless his days. Even today, to talk about mothers is very difficult. It becomes almost an impossibility, for only deep within the bosom of man is there the true tenderness available to talk of mothers. And when we talk of mothers, the fondest memories rise with our thoughts. If I could see memories swirling of those precious moments in your life shared with your mother. It was she who first loved you and nourished you. It is from her lips you first learned the meaning of love. It was at her knees you learned the first lessons of life. There are not many things in life that measure up to godliness but a man s mother is surely one of them. But no matter what a mother s child becomes, she loves him still. A man may climb to the highest pinnacle of success, but never to the heights of his mother s love. So in this month of May, we honor our mothers, Gods precious gift to us. Let their lives be a challenge to us to be worthy of that love. MENTORING By Harold Kennedy, Expert - Chapter of Rose Croix When I first joined Freemasonry I did not know anyone at Upland-Mt. Baldy Lodge. The person I asked about becoming a Mason did not show up to Lodge until I received my Third Degree. As I drove into the parking lot to receive my First Degree I was excited and apprehensive. After that night my excitement did not end. However, my unease was quickly replaced by the welcoming I received from my mentor. That person was my coach Jim Thomas. Brother Jim taught me a great deal about the Fraternity. His firm yet assured manner in coaching me through my three proficiencies gave me the desire to learn more about Freemasonry. I could always call him for answers to any questions I had. And he always has had time at Lodge for any concerns I may have. Jim has taught me the value of this organization. I have read books in the Library to enable me to get a greater understanding of our craft. After becoming a Master Mason I got into line and began learning the work. Degree work is enjoyable to me. It is also serious business. Ritual, well performed, demonstrates to the candidate the depth of the ethical truths we learn in Lodge. My participation in Freemasonry, from officer involvement to continued Masonic education is because of the support and encouragement I received from my coach. Without the mentoring I received from Brother Jim Thomas I do not believe I ever would have become very involved in this order. I have been Worshipful Master in my Blue Lodge. I have also served as head of other York Rite bodies. I am currently in line at the Long Beach Scottish Rite. My continuous support of Masonry is all because of the time that was given to me when I first became an Entered Apprentice. An interest was shown toward me when I first walked into Lodge. I, in turn, have continued to show my support by helping to assist the Fraternity. Brothers, when you meet a new member of our craft, please take the time and show an interest in him. Talk with him and make him feel welcome. Offer to coach him and be his mentor. It takes time. But it will be time well rewarded. I will always be grateful for the time and effort shown to me by Brother Jim. We Need Books Hey Brother, can you spare a book or two? We need books to satisfy the minds of bright young Masons. (Please, books on Masonry only.) Thank you. We Sell Books Over the years we have collected multiple copies of books. When we sell these books, we raise money to purchase books we don t have. Contact Broz Matt Marfield, 32, KzCzCzHz, at the L.B. Scottish Rite. 8 THE SCOTTISH RITE REPORTER MAY,

9 MAY CALENDAR (Closed on Mondays) FRIDAY, MAY 1st 6:00 P.M. STATED MEETING PLEASE GET YOUR PETITIONS IN 6:30 P.M. LADIES NIGHT DINNER MENU: STUFFED CRANBERRY ORANGE CHICKEN/VEGETARIAN CATERED BY ARNOLD S 50 YEAR MEMBERS CELEBRATION 7:30 P.M. ENTERTAINMENT DEBORAH JOHNSON & WAYLAND PICKARD SINGERS & PIANIST SATURDAY, MAY 9th 7:00 A.M. COFFEE 7:30 A.M. CLASSROOM 8:30 A.M. 25 9:15 A.M :00 A.M :00 A.M :00 P.M. LUNCH 1:00 P.M. 29 THURSDAY, MAY 14th 11:30 A.M. TALONS & TALONETTS LUNCHEON MEETING LONG BEACH PETROLEUM CLUB SATURDAY, MARY 16h 10:00 A.M. KNIGHTS OF ST. ANDREWS MEETING FREEMASONRY - TO ENJOY LIFE AND SERVE MANKIND 16 THE SCOTTISH RITE REPORTER JUNE CALENDAR (Closed on Mondays) TUESDAY, JUNE 2nd 7:00 P.M. STATED & IzGzAzCz MEETING PLEASE: THIS IS THE LAST TIME TO GET YOUR PETITIONS IN BEFORE THE ANNUAL SOUTHWEST REGIONAL REUNION CLASS THAT IS SCHEDULED FOR JUNE 11th THRU JUNE 14th SO GET YOUR PETITIONS IN FRIDAY, JUNE 5th DUE TO THE SWRRC EVENT & BANQUET - HELD ON JUNE 11th-14th, THERE WILL BE NO LADIES NIGHT DINNER ON JUNE 5th, BUT ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO ATTEND THE BANQUET ON SATURDAY, JUNE 13th, PLEASE CALL AND MAKE RESERVATIONS WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10th 5:00-7:00 P.M. PRE-REGISTRATION: IS FOR ANYONE WHO WAS UNABLE TO REGISTER PRIOR TO THIS EVENT 7:00-8:00 P.M. ROSE ON THE ALTAR 8:00 P.M. DINNER THURSDAY, JUNE 11th 6:00 A.M. REGISTRATION/BEAKFAST 7:30 A.M. CLASSROOM 8:00 A.M. 4 9:00 A.M. 5 10:00 A.M. 6 11:15 A.M. 7 & 8 COMMUNICATED 12:00 P.M. LUNCH 12:45 P.M. 9 /10 2:00 P.M. 11 3:00 P.M. 12 4:00 P.M. CLOSE LODGE OF CONSISTORY SATURDAY, JUNE 13th 6:30 A.M. REGISTRATION/BEAKFAST 7:30 A.M. CLASSROOM 8:00 A.M. 28 9:10 A.M :35 A.M :00 P.M. LUNCH 12:45 P.M. 31 2:20 P.M. 32 3:35 P.M. CLOSE PROGRAM 3:45 P.M. CLASSROOM PICTURES SATURDAY, JUNE 13th BANQUET 6:00 P.M. SOCIAL HOUR - WITH MUSIC THROUGHOUT THE EVENING 7:00 P.M. DINNER - (CHOICE OF) BEEF, CHICKEN OR FISH - PLEASE CALL AND MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS EARLY AND MAKE YOUR CHOICE 8:00 P.M. ENTERTAINMENT SUNDAY, JUNE 14th 9:00 A.M. BREAKFAST 10:00 A.M. M.W. ILLUSTRIOUS REX HUTCHINS - PAST GRAND MASTER OF ARIZONA - TALKS ON SCOTTISH RITE ESOTERIC ELEMENTS SATURDAY, JUNE 20th 10:00 A.M. KNIGHTS OF ST ANDREWS MEETING El Bekal El Bekal Shrine Long Beach Shrine Club Shrine s Oldest Club The next meeting will be Monday, JUNE 1, 2009 at 11:30 A.M. President, Gary Hooper Meets quarterly at the Petroleum Club in Long Beach. Join the oldest and the best Shrine Club in America E. Sierra Madre Blvd., Pasadena, CA (888) (626) Fax: (626) g LIC. # SINCE 1883 Stewart INSURANCE SERVICE INC. TOM E. STEWART Telephone (562) (714) FAX (562) tom@stewartins.com Secretary, Don Sever NO Reservations Necessary PROVIDING INNOVATIVE, QUALITY, HOME HEALTH SERVICES INCLUDING: Skilled Nursing, Home Health Aide, Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Medical Social Services MAY,

10 HARPO MARX By Roy Ellis Steinfeld, 32, KzCzCzHz, Commander of Kadosh Brother Harpo Marx was born November 23, 1888 and died September 28, He was born Adolph, he changed his name to Arthur during World War, but was known professionally as Harpo. The second oldest of the four Marx brothers comedy team, Harpo rarely if ever spoke while in character but was renown as a mime and harpist. His ready wit was recognized with his inclusion as a member of the Algonquin Round Table in New York. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity. This poem was written by Brother Reverend Dr. Magill, Rector of St. Paul s Church in Peru, Illinois. It reportedly was written shortly after a lady asked him Are You a Mason? It is thought to have been written in the mid to late 1800s. Are You a Mason? I am one of a band, Who will faithfully stand, In the bonds of affection and love; I have knocked at the door, once wretched and poor, And there for admission I stood. By the help of a friend, Who assistance did lend, I succeeded an entrance to gain; Was received in the West, By command from the East, But not without feeling some pain. Here my conscience was taught, With a moral quite fraught, With sentiments hold and true; The onward I traveled, To have it unraveled, What Hiram intended to do. Very soon to the East, I made my request, And light by command did attend; When lo! I perceived, In due form revealed, A Master, and Brother, and Friend. (Continued on Page 18) Are we a secret society? By Charles L. Schubert, 32 After reviewing the fourth degree of the Scottish Rite, the Secret Master s degree, I had many questions on what is a secret and what is not. I was amazed to see that this would start the series of degrees in a fraternity that wishes to express self-enlightenment and work. I know that Freemasonry is not a secret society, but a society of many secrets. Why then are we still considered a secret society? When a man joins the fraternity, he is faced with his first degree. During the ritual, they blindfold him, and keep him in the dark. This first impression has to be a lasting impression that the fraternity is a secret society. When we perform the first degree on a new candidate, is it our intention to impress upon him that we are a society of secrets? To some people, Masonry appears as a closed secret society cloaked in mystery, rituals, pomp, and ceremony. The reality is that there are only a handful of secrets, which must be kept, that the real secrets of freemasonry will be seen in our deeds. Ritual is the vehicle, which conveys the sublime truths to the heart and mind. Ceremony conveys its importance. The real secrets of Masonry are passed on without obligation to non-members daily when Masons treat their equal with respect and kindness, their treating partners with honesty and fairness, and those in need with compassion, aid and encouragement. You ll never hear the secrets of a Master Mason spoken from mouth to ear. You ll see it in his eyes, his heart, and his actions. Secret societies have existed in our society for thousands of years. In reality they are groups with secrets and nothing more, but it is many times supposed secrets that gather the attention of many. I guess you could consider the Boy Scouts of America a secret organization. After all they too have symbols, secret words, and even a secret handshake where one Boy Scout can identify himself to another. Since many people consider the Freemasons a society that has the idea of a New World Order. I am sure that I didn t join the Freemasons to rule the world. I firmly believe that many who join any society, whether it is secret or not, undoubtedly desire to be part of some social elite, something that many feel at one time or another in their lives. There is a desire to be different from the ordinary, or to be part of something special; thinking that joining such an organization will present them with personal rewards or even self-attained goals. This type of organization could be the Boy Scouts, the United States Army, or even the Freemasons. All organizations claim the hold secret knowledge that no one else does. All claim to be the holders of some form of truth. All claim to be the chosen while considering all non-members blind to reality. All have initiation ceremonies, from the sublime to the alarming, that allow the candidate to feel that they have joined something special. During this initiation, the new candidate or member can become party to the secret wisdom the organization is trying to impart. So are we a secret society or a society with secrets? This you will have to decide! 10 THE SCOTTISH RITE REPORTER MAY,

11 14 THE SCOTTISH RITE REPORTER Lodge of Perfection By Chris Christopherson, 32, Venerable Master Brethren, By the time you read this article in the May Edition of the Scottish Rite Reporter, we will be approximately one month away from hosting the 2009 Southwest Scottish Rite Regional Reunion Class, in conjunction with the Valley of Los Angeles. Preparations for this auspicious event have been ongoing, and will now continue on a weekly basis up to the reunion, which begins on June 11 th. All Scottish Rite Masons wishing to participate are invited to attend the planning sessions. We meet on Saturday morning at 10:00 AM, and usually conclude around noon. The planning committee, like most business organizations, has had its evolution through the classical stages of group dynamics: forming, storming, norming, and performing. During the storming phase of our group s development, things became contentious at times, but there was always a brother who would reign in the emotions and enable cooler heads to prevail. I was impressed to see the subtle ways we, as Masons, are reminded of the three principal tenets of our institution, and how these tenets (especially brotherly love) allow us to subdue our individual passions for the greater good of the group. This experience also reminded me of a not to subtle brother who used the pulpit of his office to chastise discordant brethren in open lodge, thus earning himself the enduring moniker, Brother Harmony. During the recitation of his duties as Senior Warden, Brother Harmony would accentuate the word HARMONY, while staring down the brothers who were the object of his concern. This type of open confrontation made those who witnessed it highly uncomfortable, and does not represent the higher ideals of our institution. In contrast to this behavior, the planning group s deliberations, while sometimes heated, have always embraced the best balance of goal orientation/achievement, and Masonic tenets. I am confident that with brotherly love, and the harmonious efforts of the brethren of the Valleys of Long Beach and Los Angeles, we will have the best Southwest Scottish Rite Regional Reunion Class that has been put on to date. I hope to see you there! FREEMASONRY TO ENJOY LIFE AND SERVE MANKIND PROFILE OF A MASON Rick A. Christopherson, 32 Submitted by John E. Wallace, 33 Rick was born on May 29, 195 1, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. When he was five years old, the family moved to California, as his father was a machinist, and there were ample opportunities for employment in the fledgling aerospace industry. The family first settled in Lakewood, then bought a home in the Los Altos area of Long Beach, adjacent to a huge bean field which was subsequently sold, and became what is now El Dorado Park and Golf Course. Rick attended school at Tincher Elementary, and Hill Junior High. Midway through the seventh grade, the family moved to the unincorporated community of Rossmoor, where Rick s education continued at Oak Junior High. It was at Oak, that Rick received his first encounter with corporal punishment. His crime? Having hair that when combed forward, extended approximately 1/8" below his eyebrows. His football coach said, If you can t comb your hair with a towel, then it s too long! After junior high, Rick attended Western High School in Anaheim. He ran Cross Country in the Fall, and Track in the Spring. He also played in the marching band, and acted in the various school drama productions. His graduating class of 1969 was big! How big was it? It was so big that the graduation ceremony could not be held in the customary venue of Handel Stadium on campus; in fact, it had to be held in the Anaheim Convention Center. At the time, the class was told that they were the largest graduating class in the history of California. Upon graduation from high school, Rick attended Long Beach State College (now California State University at Long Beach). As many of you may recall, there was a thing called the draft, back then. Rick sought counsel as to how to best proceed with his education with the threat of the draft looming large in his consciousness. The counselor said, Well, you can get a student deferment, then be put back into the draft pool when you graduate, or you can take your chances now that your birthday will be among the two-thirds that will not be called this year. Rick did not apply for the deferment, took a trip to Reno, Nevada to visit a friend who had moved there, and on the way home, he heard the news: May 29th had been selected number 69 in the draft. Rick thought, how ironic; chosen 69 from the class of 69. In another twist of irony, Rick s younger brother Greg, who graduated in 1972, did not have to participate in the draft, as it had been abolished by then. Rick sought to be proactive and enlist, rather than wait for his draft letter. He first tried the Air force, but was informed that they had a waiting list of willing aspirants. He then went to the Navy Recruiter, and secured a guaranteed enlistment as a Hospital Recruit. He went to boot camp in San Diego, Hospital (Continued on Page 12) MAY,

12 PROFILE OF A MASON (Continued from Page 11) Corps School at the Naval Hospital at Balboa, and then Pharmacy Technician School, also at Balboa. At the graduation ceremony from Pharmacy Tech. School, Rick was presented with the Brunswig Perpetual Trophy for Pharmaceutical Excellence. This was quite an honor, and a surprise to Rick, as there were 35 other students in his class. After the ceremony, Rick asked his father if he was surprised by the award, to which his father stoically replied, No, because you worked hard for it. Rick s duty stations during his tenure with the Navy were the Naval Training Center, San Diego for two years, then the Naval Regional Medical Center at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. During his assignment at Pearl, Rick attended the University of Hawaii, completing some of his general education requirements that are common to any subsequent degree. After his military career was over, Rick worked for his Dad in his manufacturing shop, Chris Engineering, while continuing his education. While visiting his parents one Saturday afternoon, Rick s older brother Gary came to the house. Mysteriously, Rick s Dad and brother disappeared into one of the spare bedrooms, and did not emerge for approximately an hour. Realizing that his brother Gary was too old for corporal punishment and not wanting to seem nosy, Rick did not question this seemingly odd behavior at the time. Later that week however, Rick asked his brother what the heck was going on that Saturday afternoon. He learned that his Dad was coaching him in the candidate s proficiency in the first degree. Rick inquired why his Dad had not approached him about becoming a Freemason, and was informed by his brother that Masons cannot ask you to join, you have to ask them about becoming a member. Rick asked his father about becoming a member, and thus (in 1980) began Rick s Masonic career at Buena Park Lodge #357 (now Solomon s Staircase #357). In 198 1, Rick pursued an opportunity to work as a machinist at a coalfired plant in Laughlin, Nevada. Those of you who may have traveled to Laughlin back in those days may recall that it had only three casinos, and virtually no where to shop. By comparison, Bullhead City (directly across the Colorado River) was a thriving metropolis! As he had not returned his third degree proficiency, he was grateful to learn that there was a retired Past Master of Buena Park 357, who was willing to be Rick s candidate coach for the 3rd degree proficiency. After Russell B. Swede Johnson schooled Rick in the memory work required, they traveled 30 miles down river to Needles, California, where Rick returned his 3rd degree proficiency in the Needles lodge, which was situated above a walk-in movie theater. Rick subsequently joined Mohave Valley Lodge #68, in Bullhead City, much to the chagrin of Swede, who characterized the members as a bunch of clowns. This allusion was to the quality of the ritual work, and not to the personal character of its members. As Rick wanted to be active in the Masonic (Continued on Page 13) PROFILE OF A MASON (Continued from Page 12) community, he joined and in 1986, served as the lodge s Worshipful Master. In yet another twist of irony, subsequent to Rick s year in the Oriental Chair, Swede Johnson joined Mohave Valley #68, became its Master, and eventually became a Deputy District Grand Lecturer (analogous to our District Inspectors in California). Rick s association with the Scottish Rite began in 1984, when he and his wife traveled to the Valley of Phoenix, Orient of Arizona, where he received his degrees in a three day reunion class. An unexpected pleasure of the trip (which occurred in the Spring) was seeing the desert in full bloom. The myriad of colors, and naturally occurring patterns was breathtaking, and a true testament to the majesty of God s artistry. Also in 1984, while Rick was working an 85 day maintenance outage at the power plant, he was involved in a roll-over car crash that was caused by extreme fatigue. As he lay in the hospital bed with broken ribs, a broken scapula, multiple contusions, and unknown internal injuries, his father and mother came to visit. When he saw his father, Rick began to weep, and his father asked why, Rick informed him that he had lost the antique Masonic ring that had been in the family for over 50 years, that he had presented Rick after his raising to the sublime degree of Master Mason. To this revelation, Rick s father simply replied, Oh, I thought you were going to tell me something important, like that you had lost your integrity. All through his childhood, Rick s father taught him important lessons in truth, honor, and integrity. Looking back, Rick realizes his father was using the lessons learned in Masonry to mold the character of his children. Rick accepted a position as a Safety and Environmental Specialist at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station in 1999, and continued his education during his tenure there. He graduated Magna Cum Laude, with a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management, and was inducted into the Alpha Chi National Collegiate Scholarship Society. He is also credentialed by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals as a Certified Safety Professional (CSP), and as an Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST). Rick is a third generation Freemason, and is passionate about the fraternity. He is a cast member of the fourth, twelfth, twenty-ninth, and thirtieth degrees, and serves on the planning committee for the Scottish Rite Regional Reunion Class that will be held right here in the Valley of Long Beach, in conjunction with our co-sponsor, the Valley of Los Angeles. In addition to being installed as Venerable Master of the Lodge of Perfection this year, Rick was installed as Senior Warden of his blue lodge, Solomon s Staircase #357. Rick was recently widowed when his wife Sherri died on February 5th, and he currently lives in Cypress, CA. 12 THE SCOTTISH RITE REPORTER MAY,