REPORTER Vol. XXXVII Published Monthly September, 2011

Transcription

1 THE SCOTTISH RITE The Scottish Rite Reporter NONPROFIT US POSTAGE PAID Published Monthly 855 Elm Avenue HUNT. BCH CA PERMIT #438 Long Beach, CA RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED POSTMASTER: DATED MATERIAL PLEASE DELIVER BY AUGUST 31st REPORTER Vol. XXXVII Published Monthly September, 2011 September 5th September 28th Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown POSTMASTER: DATED MATERIAL PLEASE DELIVER BY AUGUST 31st

2 Ill. Ronald A. Seale, 33, Sovereign Grand Commander Ill. William F. Stovall, 33, Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the Supreme Council 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) Ill. Joseph W. R. Ashwill, 33 Personal Representative of the Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the Orientl of California Ill. James B. Scribner, 33, Assistant Personal Representative Illz Murray E. Cooke, 33, General Secretary 2011 Officers Adam Buttons, 32, Venerable Master - L.B. Lodge of Perfection Charles Shubert, 32, Wise Master - L.B. Chapter Rose Croix Thomas Horlick, 32, Commander - L.B. Council of Kadosh Max Stanger 32, K.C.C.H., Master of Kadosh - L.B. Consistory Serving All Bodies Ill. Robert J. Moss, 33, Treasurer Douglas Tayrien, 32, Orator Ill. Thomas G. Horngren, 33, Almoner Ill. John R. Jansen, 33, Tiler Cathedral Staff Ill. Don Fishering, 33, Chief Purveyor Matthew Marfield, 32, K.C.C.H., Librarian Ill. Aldo Zanier, 33, General Production Manager Sound Director Open Sound Director Open HaLighting Director Open Open, Stage Director Ill. Preston M. Jones, 33, Robing Room Director Degree Staff Ill. James Sunseri, 33, Classroom Director Ill. Ellsworth Chan, 33, Classroom Staff Harold Kennedy, 32, Classroom Staff Richard Schott, 32 Classroom Staff Ill. Richard Schowengerdt, 33, Director of the Work Support Organizations Gil Cuevas, 32, Chieftain, Knights of Saint Andrew Scottish Rite Reporter Ben Ponder, 32, K.C.C.H., Managing Editor & Typesetter 2146 Mt. Shasta Dr., San Pedro, CA (310) bjtypesett@dslextreme.com Fax (310) The views expressed in the Reporter are not necessarily those of the Scottish Rite Bodies. Submission of articles are welcome and due by the 15th of the month preceding the publication. 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) $3.00 per pin The profit of $1.00 goes to the Clinic. PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR BLUE LODGE! - masoniccollections@gmail.com Long Beach Scottish Rite Language Center Any donation over $50.00 will receive this special Masonic Lapel Pin as recognition for your support of our Language Center. If you want it mailed, please add $.50 for postage. Send your money to: Long Beach Scottish Rite, Clinic donation. You will be mailed your pin in 5 to 7 days. On behalf of the children, THANK YOU! From the Desk of the Personal Representative Due to the fact that the Long Beach Scottish Rite Bodies is catering all the meals for its functions, the following is in effect and mandatory! EVERY FUNCTION and for EVENTS WITH A MEAL WILL REQUIRE AN RSVP. There will be NO EXCEPTIONS, no RSVP, no meal! Joseph W. R. Ashwill Personal Representative for the Valley of Long Beach 2 THE SCOTTISH RITE REPORTER SEPTEMBER,

3 Notes from the Personal Representative Ill. Joseph W. R. Ashwill, 33 Personal Representative of the Sovereign Grand Inspector General in CA Please join us Saturday, October 1st at 5:50 p.m. for a social hour and dinner at 7:30 p.m. 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 $ 18 THE SCOTTISH RITE REPORTER KNIGHTS OF ST ANDREW MEETING, SATURDAY, SEPT. 10th L.B. SCOTTISH RITE AT 12:00 NOON OF I am extremely grateful to Ill. Tim Cable, 33, for his taking charge of our very important Fellowship Day and B-B-Q, due to my being ill, and I am advised that he did a masterful job as the Master of Ceremonies, and for that I say Thank You. Also, an additional thank you to Fred Cook, 32, who stepped in at the very last minute, along with Jorge Cabradilla, 32 to take charge of the B-B-Q once again, life savers for sure and true brotherly love extended to all attending. A personal thank you as well to Carmen Alvarado and the Purveyors for their important support in the entire event. We are extremely pleased that the program was well received and well attended, by over 70 Masons and Non-Masons, and look forward to continuing this event annually. There were those who said the highlight of the meeting was Ill. Rex R. Hutchens, 33, G.C., P.G.M. and past Personal Representative of the Tucson, Arizona Valley. He is most famous for authoring A Bridge to Light (1988, revised 2004), a summary of the Scottish Rite Degrees based on Albert Pike s classic Morals and Dogma. Hon. Matt Cracker, 32, K.C.C.H., reported that Brother Hutchens encouraged the assembled to not read the Bible, that is, project our preconceived notions on the text, but rather to read the Bible with an open mind and let the text speak to us as it is meant to. He shared numerous examples of Bible passage misconceptions and mistranslations as the text was translated from the Hebrew, to Greek, to Latin, to English, and spoke to the difference from one Bible to the next, accentuating the irregularities. He encouraged their continued curiosity, vigilant in our studies, and be critical in our thought process. A true meeting of enlightenment. It is pleasant to report too, that Ill. Arthur Meigs, 33, had a successful operation and is now at home, as well as Ill. Bart Bodner, 33, while still wearing his halo as a result of a broken neck is now at home with home care, and lastly Ill. John Jansen, 33, who fell and broke his hip, is still in rehab at Woodruff Convalescent Nursing Home, in Bellflower. I was just informed as well, that Charles Schubert, 32, Wise Master of Long Beach Chapter Knights Rose Croix and stage director, has had a serious medical procedure that will make it unable for him to participate in stage crew work for several months, we wish him well in his recovery process. Keep in mind too that we have degrees scheduled for this month in a continuation of the long class which began in January, with the presentation of the (Continued on Page 14) SEPTEMBER,

4 Southern California Research Lodge F. & A. M. TRUTH By Douglas Strother, P.M., Redondo Lodge No. 328 This essay was inspired by the observations of the richness contained in our Masonic ritual on the concept and pursuit of Truth. Truth, as a divine attribute, deserves more attention than given in the first degree lecture. Truth is the basis upon which all other virtues are erected. Without truth, a Brother s entire moral and Masonic edifice will be built on sand. Truth is a cornerstone tenet of our craft and deserves our constant attention., within and without the Lodge. Contemplation upon truth eliminates the vices of, hypocrisy and deceit., in particular. The new Entered Apprentice is charged to consider the Holy Bible as the Great Light in his profession as a Speculative Mason, and to use it as the unerring, standard of truth and justice. In both practical and spiritual matters, the Bible teaches us the duties we owe to our Creator, our neighbors and ourselves We owe reverence to our Creator, hospitality to our neighbors, and prudent care for ourselves. The Holy Bible is an essential furnishing of the Lodge, and along with the Square and Compass, a Lodge cannot be opened without them. These three objects are both furnishings and the lights of the Lodge they are the fundamental tools of a Mason. The Holy Bible is revered as God s inestimable gift to man and is the expression of divine truth. Consider these Biblical admonitions: Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth. (John 17:17) Truth is opened every time Masons meet to initiate, pass and raise candidates, and conduct its routine business. Upon closing the Lodge, we, pray to the Ruler of Heaven and Earth to move us to reverently study and obey the laws which Thou hast given us in Thy Holy Word. Truth is an inherently Godly characteristic; the great and beneficent Author of our life exemplifies Truth. The Great Architect of the Universe first spoke Light into existence, and called it good. (Genesis 1:3-4) The Light of Truth shall continue after time and space shall be no more. (Isaiah 60:19) The pursuit of further light in Masonry that we profess is a claim that we are able and willing, to follow the Truth wherever it leads us, (Exodus 13:20-21). The introductory material found in a Masonic Bible presents a clear starting point. A full study of truth is facilitated by a concordance which lists all of the instances of the original words, Hebrew (emeth [Strong s #5711]), and Greek (aletheia [Strong s #225]), translated into truth; the exercise of comparing Scripture with Scripture unfolds deeper levels of meaning and revelation. As Masons contemplate truth, the tendencies to play-act and engage in willful trickery are eliminated. Sincere and unpretentious interactions with others become distinguishing characteristics. Masons should be exceptionally genuine we should be known as authentic men of candor and loyalty to our superiors, peers and subordinates. Our deeds and words are to be congruent to the moral principles elaborated in the First Great Light of Masonry. Consequently, in our- day-to-day interactions, we have the duty to promote the well-being of our Brethren, encourage them to be better men, and to be sincerely joyful for the spiritual and material rewards bestowed upon them. The Tenth Degree Elu of the Fifteen (Continued from Page 9) rosettes. The three letters will stand for what every Mason should object to: ignorance, tyranny, and fanaticism. The three rosettes represent the three Ruffians. Near the bottom of the apron, we can see three gates possibly indicating three different paths to travel in life. The old apron has three severed heads above the three gates, and stand for ignorance, tyranny, and fanaticism. (The three Ruffians) By now, we all find out that there are many different meanings and symbols associated with each of the degrees in the Scottish Rite. The Tenth Degree is no exception as we find the three Ruffians representing ignorance, tyranny, and fanaticism. I feel that this degree teaches us how to react to Toleration and Liberality against Fanaticism and Persecution. The end result of Persecution will be justice. I am sure that every person has a definition or different meaning for ignorance, tyranny, and fanaticism and if the three Ruffians were violators of each or examples of each. This degree has a deep overtone of patriotism related to it. Could this overtone be related to liberty and justice? We know that the well-informed Mason has an open mind and should expect justice to be done in a quick and reliable manner. We know that power in our society should be delegated for the good and never be allowed to injure anyone. Its final goal is to bring everyone together that think alike and agree. We know that our form of government is based on liberty and justice. In the third Degree of Masonry, we are reminded of society that can best work and best agree. This is a form of patriotism shared on a common glory of one s country rather than the preservation against all enemies of its civil and religious liberty. We can definitely identify with this statement as our country continues its involvement in present world affairs. In conclusion, the Tenth Degree has many statements related to the characteristics of the three Ruffians and how they conducted their business, and why they did so. The Tenth Degree allows the viewer to learn about the importance of education and enlightenment. We are all allowed to decide the difference between ignorance and stupidity. We were able to distinguish the difference between tyranny, the ability to make good choices, and the difference between fanaticism and devotion. We as Masons must constantly seek education and enlightenment in a manner that we can be able to disseminate this truth or knowledge to others. We must recognize that we can t force ourselves on others when we communicate what we have found to be the truth. We should consider enlightenment as a gift of knowledge and the ability to seek further knowledge. 4 THE SCOTTISH RITE REPORTER SEPTEMBER,

5 The Pursuit of Human Perfection Thoughts on Rosh Hashanah, The Jewish New Year By Roy Ellis Steinfeld, 32, K.C.C.H., Senior Warden Lodge of Perfection This month to next month, Jews all over the world will be celebrating the 10-day period called the High Holy Days. It starts with Rosh Hashanah, a celebration of a new year on Wednesday evening, September 28th, and ends with Yom Kippur, a solemn day of atonement, on Saturday evening, October 8th. I will talk about Rosh Hashanah in this article; Yom Kippur will be discussed next month. The overriding theme is the pursuit of human perfection and the obligation of each person to continually assess and improve his or her character, or as Mordecai Kaplan put it, to seek reconstruction of our personalities in accordance with the highest ethical possibilities of human nature. It s more than making New Year resolutions. The idea is to pause from our daily lives and sit in objective judgment of ourselves, to examine the state of our souls, to hold ourselves accountable, and to acknowledge any gaps between our conscience and our conduct, between the standards we profess and the actions we perform. Just as Scottish Rite Masons with our Masonic Obligations that we took at the Altar and the Obligations of the Scottish Rite Degrees. We may not always have the moral strength to bridge the gap between our ideals and our actions, but we have the moral duty to try. Our sins and shortcomings are compounded when we ignore or accept them. Jews are given four specific tasks: 1) reflect, 2) repent, 3) seek forgiveness, and 4) forgive those who ask forgiveness. Although the process is clothed in religious ritual, these concepts are equally powerful in a purely secular context. Religionists and secularists agree that humanity is unique among living creatures in its capacity to understand good and evil and to choose between them. Whether we call it morality or ethics, whether we think in terms of our souls or our character, all who have pondered the purpose and potential of human life conclude that a virtuous life is the best life. As Scottish Rite Masons, we need to strive for the morality and ethics which are taught in our Masonic and Scottish Rite Degrees. SAN DIEGO HONORS OCTOBER 14th THRU 15th, 2011 A block of rooms has been reserved at the Sheraton Mission Valley Hotel 1433 Camino Rio South, San Diego CA you must identify yourself as being with the Scottish Rite Valley of San Diego to receive the special rate of ($92.00) per night. If anyone would like to attend the HONORS, please call and make your reservations. Other details to follow for the banquet and etc The Ninth Degree Elu of the Nine By Chuck Schubert, 32, Wise Master Before I begin, I must admit that this was the first of what I considered the confusion Degrees. By that, I mean that after reading the synopsis from Guthrie Scottish Rite, A Bridge to Light (1988, 2006), and the Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor and Guide, I was still confused on why every thing was written as two degrees and combined together. After reviewing the old and new Degree scripts in the Long Beach Scottish Rite Valley, I became even more confused. There seems to have been may changes to the degrees as well as in the regalia of this degree. Many of the older Scottish Rite Masons indicated that the regalia were considered to be too dramatic and offensive to many of the members. After all, the old apron can speak for itself. When I first viewed this apron in the prop room of the Long Beach Scottish Rite Valley, I was shocked. I could see that many felt that it sent the wrong message to the viewer. This degree has many different names and has been changed over time and it focuses on those that were chosen or elected (Elus) to search for the ruffians and to bring to justice or receive vengeance for the loss of Master Hiram. These Elus are considered to be the enlightened few possessors of Divine Knowledge attained by time and experience. The Ninth Degree was also confusing to me because I went through the York Rite Degrees and the Scottish Rite Degrees at the same time. In the York Rite Degrees, the ruffians are eliminated in the Third Degree. The Ninth Degree of the Scottish Rite degrees differs markedly from those of the York Rite symbolic Lodge Degrees. Mainly the assassins are not captured in the Third Degree, but in the 9th and 10th Degrees of the Scottish Rite. After reviewing A Bridge to Light (1988), we find an apron with blood spots and a severed head. After reviewing the 2006 revision of the Bridge to Light, we find an apron with a black border and a candle in the middle of the apron. You now understand why I call this degree the confusion degree. Once again, I am not sure what prompted this change. There are many new virtues introduced in this degree and include disinterestedness, courtesy, devotion, firmness, frankness, generosity, selfdenial, heroism and patriotism. The overall objective of this degree is to introduce the viewer to understanding the differences between Education and Enlightenment. A similar theme was introduced to us in the Eighth Degree where we were required to distinguish between wisdom and knowledge. What is enlightenment and how does it apply to us as Masons? First of all, we will have to go back in history and describe what enlightenment means. The Scottish Enlightenment was the period in the 18th century inspired by intelligence and scientific accomplishments. During this period, the Scots were considered to be the most literate of all the European nations. They improved (Continued on Page 6) 16 THE SCOTTISH RITE REPORTER SEPTEMBER,

6 The Ninth Degree, Elu of the Nine (Continued fron Page 5) their knowledge by reading and having discussions of an intellectual background. This discussion or difference of opinion gave individuals a chance to share their beliefs and understandings. I am sure that many Masons engaged in this sharing of educational knowledge. In the Ninth Degree we are faced with an educational process of learning how to combat ignorance and how it becomes the principal enemy of human freedom. Without a proper education or understanding of our human needs, we are all faced with sorrow and endeavor to continue the ignorance of the evil minded. We all must be aware that with good comes the bad. If we overdo the enlightenment and force it on others who are not willing to listen, then we may be faced with the reverse effect. The educational process is destroyed and we have shared nothing of value. A good example of this would be someone that desires to force his or her religious feeling or teaching on us. In conclusion, I would like to quote one of our founding fathers attitude towards education. Benjamin Franklin said an investment in knowledge always pays the best interest. I am a retired teacher with thirty-five years of experience. During this time period, I have become a firm believer that the future of this country is held in the hands of our children. It has also been stated with education and Enlightenment, just the sentiment of it, but the application and truthful following of these virtues comes exactly as has been described a good Mason and a good man. So how can the good Mason be defined? Each one of us will have to do the best we can to improve our daily lives and become a better Mason. Coming to our Rite October 23rd. You won t want to miss this delightful Stage play on Sunday October 23rd at 2:00 p.m. This play centers upon the antics of five zany nuns who will sing their way Into your hearts, make you laugh out loud and leave you with a smile. Mark your calendars now and get you tickets at the Rite for only $10.00/person. Call for children s prices Omnivores Submitted by Barbara Ashwill Find and circle all of the omnivores that are hidden in the grid. The words may be hidden in any direction. P G O H T R A W G C O E R M N O W O R C H C R T E E M S P C G E C B A O K R E K K O G I O S C Y C A N Z A U S S P A C O E O E O N E N S H T O C P G O A O A P K U G O R D A B D D B P C E M N T O I E N C W A M U R E T O U A C P A A B I H X A W C R K P H O U N H Y C O N H E D G E H O G C K B A F E Y C C H O C M I E O C H G F B A D G E R D BABOON, BADGER, BEAR, CHIMPANZEE, COYOTE, CRANE, CROW, FOX, HEDGEHOG, IGUANA, OPOSSUM, OSTRICH, PIG, RACCOON, SKUNK, WARTHOG, WOODPECKER 6 THE SCOTTISH RITE REPORTER SEPTEMBER,

7 P.R. NOTES (Continued from Page 3) 24th and 25th degrees, and the communication and discussion of the 26th degree. It would be most helpful if brothers were to step up and assist in our stage preparation inasmuch as Aldo Zanier, 33, General Production Manager will be absent along with Charles Schubert, 32. Ill. Tim Cable, 33 has graciously accepted the responsibility of performing the General Production Managers duties for these presentations, so any volunteers will be appreciated, and an opportunity for our Knights of Saint Andrew to fulfill a part of their Mission Statement. Just a heads up for your October schedule; The Players that performed the Unexpected Guest play for the benefit of our Language Disorders Clinic earlier this year, will again perform a new play Dracula on Saturday, October 29th at 6:00 PM, including dinner. The cost will again be $25.00 (donation) with the entire proceeds going for the benefit of our Clinic and how grateful we are for their efforts extended to us and the children. Rest assured that you will be able to hear their performance as we are providing our wireless mikes so we all can enjoy their presentation. Finally, it is that time of the year when as a Family we celebrate change of a Masonic nature. Since we are approaching that time when we elect our Leaders for the coming 2012 year, it is important for the current Masters to provide us with list of their suggestions and recommendations for the ensuing year so we can have the necessary interviews with those proposed during October, to discern their commitment, and dedication to the responsibilities of their individual Lodges. Scottish Rite Masonry, and Masonry in general needs and deserves the best Leadership to move it forward every year, every election period. Leaders who care, who work to improve and are not satisfied to just occupy a chair Leaders who want the best for their members and for the Fraternity they believe in, and which they have continued to belong to by supporting, paying dues, and being a true Brother. Rest assured, the members can see and will know who is the best, for Masonry deserves Leaders who will lead, who truly care, and are concerned for the best for Freemasonry and always strive to be the best. Therefore, be careful in your choosing, and continuing to want the very best possible for your Long Beach Valley and to live each day by being better yourself. A reminder again to our Brethren, may I say that one of the most insistent things in life is that you are ultimately judged by what you actually accomplish? The busy world of workers gives scant attention to assertion, explanation, protest, apology, or complaint. What counts most is not promise; we have many of those, but performance. Good works speaks for itself, therefore achieve something first, and talk afterward if you must. Time spent in promises, regrets, and professions, is usually unavailing. The way to do things, in my opinion, is not to dream about them nor wish for them, but to do them. The distinguished men in all times have been prodigious workers, earnestly intent upon securing actual results. Until Next Time, May God Bless you and yours To whom it may concern: I would like to take this time to thank the men of what I refer to as the (silent service). On 26 October had the good fortune of attending a drug recovery program called VVRC here in Long Beach, Ca. In recovery I found out that I could have and live a full life without drugs with the silent service of the Masons, which I did from the age of 15 to the age of truly thought that I couldn t have a good time unless I was high on drugs. Because of the services of the Masons I was able to go to Friscos with my whole recovery group and order anything I wanted off of the menu. The event was fantastic and my friends and I all enjoyed ourselves. In the next 2 months we attended a hockey game, a football game, the rose parade, a small orchestra, and to top it off we were treated like heroes at each and every event. Thanksgiving and Christmas are a very sad time for many of us in recovery but the Masons put together a feast of good company, great food, and an atmosphere of Patriotism making us all proud that we served our country, and they pulled out all the stops sparing no expense to help us veterans in recovery. I would also like to thank them for allowing me to be of service at the Shriners Hospital for children it was so rewarding to help those children. I wish I could get more of what I think on paper, but I want to thank the Masons for there selfless silent service. Since obtaining work at the Long Beach VA I have had the good fortune of seeing a few of the Masons that served us at VVRC and realize the Masons are everywhere in silent service. Thank You So Much, Carl Wayne Sapp 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. FREEMASONRY TO ENJOY LIFE AND SERVE MANKIND 14 THE SCOTTISH RITE REPORTER SEPTEMBER,

8 SEPTEMBER CALENDAR (Closed on Mondays) WELCOME BACK EVERYONE HOPE EVERYONE HAD A FANTASTIC AND SAFE SUMMER SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3rd OFFICE CLOSED FOR LABOR DAY SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10th DEGREES CONTINUED FROM THE LONG CLASS 7:00 A.M. COFFEE 7:30 A.M. LECTURE 8:45 A.M. 25 9:55 A.M C 10:40 A.M :45 A.M. LUNCH 12:30 P.M. MASTER CRAFTSMAN CLASS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10th 12:00 P.M. KNIGHTS OF ST ANDREW MEETING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13th 7:00 P.M. STATED MEETING FRIDAY THRU SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23rd THRU THE 25th GRAND LODGE OCTOBER CALENDAR (Closed on Mondays) MONDAY, OCTOBER 1st 5:30 P.M. SOCIAL HOUR 6:30 P.M. SCOTTISH RITE DINNER 7:30 P.M. ENTERTAINMENT/TISHRI/MORE ENTERTAINMENT TO FOLLOW MONDAY, OCTOBER 3rd 6:00 P.M. ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8th 7:00 A.M. COFFEE 7:30 A.M. LECTURE 8:45 A.M. 28 9:30 A.M :45 A.M. MASTER CRAFTSMAN CLASS 11:45 A.M. LUNCH TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11th 7:00 P.M. I.G.A.C. & STATED MEETING FRIDAY & SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14th & 15th 2011 HONORS IN SAN DIEGO. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22nd DEGREE MASER S, CAST MEMBERS, SUPPORT STAFF, ETC 6:00 P.M. SOCIAL HOUR AND DINNER PLEASE, ALL MUST ATTEND, CALL THE OFFICE FOR RESERVATIONS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23rd 2:00 P.M. MATINEE NUNSENSE II PERFORMED BY OUR MEMBER ILL. TIM CABLE, 33, AND HIS GROUP $10.00 SO PLEASE COME AND JOIN THIS FABULOUS FUNNY PLAY SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29th 6:00 P.M. DINNER & A SHOW, COST $25.00 (DRACULA) PRESENTED BY THE PLAYERS WHO PREVIOUSLY DID THE UNEXPECTED GUEST IN MAY ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO TO THE CHILDREN S LANGUAGE CLINIC AGAIN In Memoriam GARY DEAN RAY, 32, K.C.C.H Please Remember the Long Beach Scottish Rite Childhood Language Center In your Will, Trust or Memoriam Library Corner By Matthew T. Marfield, 32, KzCzCzHz, Librarian Masonic Formulas and Rituals Has Arrived! After having bounced around in the U.S. Postal System for awhile, I have at last received my HEREDOM Vol. 18, the Transactions of the Scottish Rite Research Society, and the Bonus Book, Ill. A. Pikes Masonic Formulas and Rituals. The Forward is by Ill. Ronald A. Seale, 33, the Preface and Introduction is by the Editor/Compiler, Ill. Arturo de Hoyos, 33. His introduction appropriately touches on the genesis of Freemasonry as we know it, the antecedents of the Haute Grades, and the Family Tree from whence came the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. For the York Rite (American Rite?) brethren, there is information on Cryptic and Templar degrees, including the Order of High Priesthood. Neither can we forget the Adonhiramite Rite, and its importance to the Scottish Rite, or its True Adoptive Rite, which appears to have captured Ill. A. Pike s imagination to the degree of translating and anonymously publishing the work, and wanting to reactivate it for the ladies. The applied contemplation of Masonic rites and degrees is very much akin to a genealogical survey of ones own family, with its varied surprises and revelations. Anyone who enjoys searching out the historical paths of Freemasonry with an emphasis on the Scottish Rite will enjoy this book; and yes, we do have a copy in Your Scottish Rite Library! We ll see you there! 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 Bro. Matt Marfield, 32, K.C.C.H., at the L.B.Scottish Rite. 8 THE SCOTTISH RITE REPORTER SEPTEMBER,

9 DECEM COLLEGIUM 10 CLUB MEMBERS Over 150 Main, Lewis Jr., Over 50 Hernandez, Gani, 32, K.C.C.H Over 45 Manoukian, Vartam, Over 35 Chastain, James A. Sr., Over 30 Sunseri, James, Over 25 Lemons, H. Douglas, Anderson, Ian, 32, K.C.C.H Navarro, Benjamin E., Pontello, Frank, Bodnar, Bart, Over 20 Benton, Lowell E., 32, K.C.C.H...21 Over 15 Lubben, Dougan, Sargent, Terry, Johnson, Lester Jr., Palmer, John A., Over 10 Ashwill, Joseph, Thagard, Raymond, Boyadjian, Sarkis, Hull, Donald, Ludwig, Bob, Lopez, John C., 32, K.C.C.H Chan, Ellsworth, John H. Reynolds, Corcoba, Axureliano, Roberts, Edward, Dukellis, Arthur F., Van De Weghe, Bill, Garcia, Danny, Wallace, John, 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. 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? The Tenth Degree Elu of the Fifteen By Charles L. Schubert, 32, Wise Master Before I begin, I must describe a little about the background of this degree. After reading the synopsis from Guthrie Scottish Rite, a Bridge to Light (1988, 2006), and the Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor and Guide, I was still confused on why everything was written as two degrees and combined together. After reviewing the old and new Degree scripts in the Long Beach Scottish Rite Valley, I became even more confused. There seems to have been may changes to the degrees as well as in the regalia of this degree. Some years ago, this degree could be considered the Ninth Degree part two. It is a continuation of the Elu Degrees and deals with the punishment of the remaining Ruffians. With this final lesson, justice will finally prevail for all as the Elect Degrees will start to come to an end, and will bring final justice to those who have done wrong. The overall objective of this degree is to teach us the lesson of justice and morality and guide us in our future endeavors. According to the synopsis of the Elu of the Fifteen in the Scottish Rite ritual Monitor and Guide, the author indicates that the lessons of this degree, as well as the Ninth Degree is free thought, free Speech, and free Conscience. The virtues, which are displayed in this degree, are many and include the following: justice, disinterestedness, courtesy, devotion, firmness, frankness, generosity, self-denial, heroism and loyalty. There is a hidden theme appertaining to the special enemies of freedom, which Hiram represents, and intolerance and persecution are characteristics of the two remaining Ruffians. How is this compared to the first three Degrees of Masonry, which are considered to be the first three Degrees of the Royal Arch Chapter Degrees of the York Rite? Most of us know that all three of the Ruffians are taken care of during the Third Degree or Master Mason Degree. My question is why are the Scottish Rite Degrees so different? The end result is the teaching aspect of justice and how it is applied in our everyday lives. Let s take a look at some of the differences between the new and old degrees and what each is trying to tell the viewer. I would like to start with the aprons. The new apron has a candle on it indicating light or the ability to see well in life. The original purpose of the Ninth Degree was to illustrate how we should be careful of how we allow ourselves to be led away by an excess of zeal to inflict the punishment justly due for the violation of human or divine laws. The original apron of the Ninth Degree had blood spots splattered all over it and was a little offensive to many including myself. The new apron of Tenth Degree has three rosettes on top with the letters I, T, and F above the (Continued on Page 17) 12 THE SCOTTISH RITE REPORTER SEPTEMBER,

10 Thoughts About Work By Roy Ellis Steinfeld, 32, K.C.C.H., Senior Warden Lodge of Perfection Labor Day is a good time to think about the role work plays in our lives. Henry Thoreau said, The mass of men spend their lives in quiet desperation. For some, work is part of that desperation. For others, it s part of what makes life worth living. Finding the right job is as difficult as finding the right mate, but it s just as important. People who love their work get more out of their lives. Teddy Roosevelt said, Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing. George Sand put it another way: Work is not a punishment, it s a reward. According to W.H. Auden, three things are needed if people are to be happy in their work: They must be fit for it, they must not do too much of it and they must have a sense of success in it. Elbert Hubbard told his readers to: Get happiness out of your work or you may never know what happiness is. In summing up his life, comedian Johnny Carson said, Never continue a job you don t enjoy. If you re happy in what you re doing, you ll like yourself, you ll have inner peace and more success than you could possibly have imagined. One of the profound questions is where does work fit into a balanced life? Some live for their work. If their work is truly meaningful and gratifying, that may make sense, but Harold Kushner points out: I never met anyone on their deathbed who said, I wish I spent more time at the office. Work is, of course, a common subject of cynical observations such as Accomplishing the impossible means only that the boss will add it to your regular duties (Doug Larson) or Many people quit looking for work when they find a job (anonymous). As Scottish Rite Masons we are taught to balance out lives, and as such work and leisure should go hand-in-hand. Always remember one of the working tools from our first degree, the twenty-four inch gauge. We are taught to divide it into three parts; a part to the service of God and a distressed worthy Brother; a part for our usual vocations (job); and a part for refreshment and repose. We should always strive for that balance in our lives. The Scottish Rite Creed The cause of human progress is our cause, the enfranchisement of human thought our supreme wish, the freedom of human conscience our mission, and the guarantee of equal rights to all people everywhere, the end of our contention. Liberty and Justice for All By Roy Ellis Steinfeld, 32, K.C.C.H., Senior Warden Lodge of Perfection I was in 7th Grade in 1963; sitting in class when over the public address system there was an announcement and then the radio broadcast that President Kennedy had been assassinated. The shock that a zealot with a gun could change the world had not yet worn off when Senator Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. were murdered within months of each other, creating in our generation an eternal sense of vulnerability. That sense of being pregnable reached a new level of intensity after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, by a handful of zealots with box cutters and knives. These fanatics committed mass murder of unimaginable proportions, putting exclamation points after the insight that all human life is fragile and that no person, no monument is safe from the forces of radical evil. The number killed was so staggering that there s a temptation to look at the lives lost and altered as just statistics. I was pleased that many media specials marking the anniversaries of the attacks focused on poignant personal stories about the people who died and the deep scars left on their families. At a time when more households are ripped apart daily by death of soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq, it s important that we summon the compassion to grieve for every surviving victim and the appreciation to salute with solemn significance the loss of every life. Nine-eleven changed our country in profound ways, and its reverberations continue to test our courage and commitment. If we re not careful, the war on terrorism will morph into a war on ourselves. In the face of the spirit-killing virus of fear and fury, we have to honor above all the values that have made America great; including our commitment to liberty and justice for all. As Scottish Rite Masons, we need to recall the Constitution and Bill of Rights, that we all respect and live by. A L L E G I A N C E The bodies of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, sitting in the Valley of Long Beach, Orient of California, acknowledge the authority 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 Thirtythird 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 the Grand Orient of Charleston, in the State of South Carolina, now sitting at Washington, D.C., of which Illustrious RONALD A. SEALE, 33, is Sovereign Grand Commander. 10 THE SCOTTISH RITE REPORTER SEPTEMBER,