Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry

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1 Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Carl Smith, 33 Personal Representative of the S.G.I G. (360) Harry Sherman, 32 KCCH Secretary P.O. Box 1112 Everett, WA (425) Valley of Everett Orient of Washington Volume 14 AUGUST 2005 Issue 08 In September we will again begin the presentation of the Degrees of Scottish Rite for another Long Class to be concluded with the 32 the following May. If all indications hold true this should be a fairly large class. The plan is to perform 14 of the 29 degrees. The Degree Teams will be striving to perform ritual that our Valley can be proud of. Why is our ritual so important? What is its purpose? I would like to share with you excerpts from an article I prepared several years ago entitled The Essence of Ritual. One of the fundamental attributes of Scottish Rite that makes it what it is, is its ritual. It is the vehicle by which its teachings are expressed. Ritual is defined as a prescribed order of performing a service or ceremony. To the Freemason it is the method by which we communicate the moral principals and sacred tenets of our Order to the hearts and minds of our Brethren. Perhaps the most important aspect of our ritual is the intellectual unification that it provides. If ritual plays such a prominent role in our fraternity, then it is surely deserving of an exemplary presentation. What are the qualities that make-up good ritual? Let s take a look at the origin of the word itself for the answer. In Sanskrit Ri meant flow, a flowing stream and therefore a regular recurrence of motion. From that word was derived Riti meaning usage, regular custom or procedure. The Latin word Ritus (Anglicized to ritual ) signifies an approved usage or custom. The original meaning of the word may then be expanded to denote any formal observance that is carried out in a ceremonious manner with reverence, with care, and in accordance with established custom. Scottish Rite ritual is an important link in the brotherhood process. It is the one experience that unites us with a common knowledge that no one else can legitimately receive. The support that a candidate feels from a well-performed degree at once unifies him with his Valley. Good ritual invokes a spirit of enthusiasm among Brethren and encourages devotion to the Scottish Rite. Along with a stimulating program of activities it promotes an interest in the Valley. The value the Valley places on its candidates is demonstrated by the proficiency with which the ritual is performed. We must deliver to the candidate the very best degree possible. He believes that he is joining a first class organization and we must not disappoint him. The messages of the degrees are essential to the Masonic education of the candidate and the satisfied candidate will generally become a dedicated member. Ritual that is proficiently done is fulfilling and develops pride. The satisfaction that the participants realize when their performance has been successfully completed is probably the greatest reward of all. And, for those who observe good ritual there is pride in the Valley. When there is pride among the members they

2 From the Personal Representative (Continued) want to be involved. Furthermore, the candidate is assured that he made a good decision when he joined Scottish Rite. The essence of Scottish Rite ritual is to teach the philosophy by which we as Freemasons live. It has proven remarkably effective over many centuries and has served to unite us like no other Fraternity. Carl B. Smith, 33 Personal Representative of the S.G.I.G. 2005/2006 DEGREE KICKOFF By Robert Larson 33º Brethren, Friday evening August 5 th will be a scheduled kick-off meeting for our Degree work for the coming year. Degree Masters, cast members and all interested in becoming part of our Degree teams are encouraged to attend. Degree Masters are requested to prepare and provide, a list of new props and costumes that will be needed and a copy of your schedule for rehearsals. The work we did last year was great but we want to continue our improvement, which we can do with input from all. We will have a buffet meal at 6:30 PM. The fare for the evening will be Clam Chowder, Navy Bean soup and Corn Bread. The Degree meeting will follow at 7:00 PM. Scottish Rite Ball Caps The Everett Valley has purchased a quantity of high-quality, adjustable baseball caps. The hats are available in Black, Red and White, indicating membership status, 32, 32 K.C.C.H., 33. The hats are embroidered, and have Scottish Rite on the front and Everett Valley on the back. To purchase a baseball cap please contact Bro. Robert Dinwiddie (206) or see him at the Valley. The price of a hat is $ If paying by check, please make the check out to the Everett Valley. LOST??? By Robert Larson 33º Brethren recently a few items belonging to the Scottish Rite have come up missing from the Everett Masonic Temple Building. First item - A CD player with AM and FM radio is missing from the South Lodge Room. Also missing are 4 hand-held two-way radios with headsets. These were brand new and were purchased to communicate during our Degrees work this fall. Both of these items are utilized in the performing of our degree work, so if anyone has borrowed these items, we ask that they please return it soon as possible to us. Scottish Rite Scholarship Foundation of Washington By Jim Raymond 32º The Scottish Rite Scholarship Foundation of Washington is pleased to offer scholarships to Undergraduate students entering their 3 rd (junior), 4 th (Senior) or when required their 5 th year of undergraduate program of study. The Foundation also has fellowships available for graduate students accepted at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., or any other recognized School of Public Affairs or School of Speech Therapy/Speech Pathology in the State of Washington. To qualify a student must be an U.S. Citizen and a Washington State Resident. They must have achieved a G.P.A. average of 3.0 or higher. The Applicant must also present three letters of recommendation. The application must be typewritten must be double- spaced. Please note that the Director or Assistant Director must receive the completed application package, by March 31 st. If you happen to know some one out there who meets the eligibility requirement and is interested in applying please contact me at (360)

3 Hello Brethren, Knights of St. Andrew Installation Friday September 16 th 2005 On behalf of the Everett Valley Chapter of the Knights of St. Andrew, you are invited to attend the Consecration of the Chapter and the Installation of Officers for , September 16 th 2005 at the Everett Masonic Center. The Founding Membership of the Chapter is as follows: William A. Isabelle 32 Venerable Master Robert E. Dinwiddie Jr. 32 Prior John D. Hart Jr. 32 Preceptor Andre J. Dewald 32 Registrar Boe E. Lindgren 32 Treasurer Christopher A. Carney 32 Chancellor Steven M. Lively 32 Master of Ceremonies John T. Sutton 32 Bailiff John E. Geraghty 32 Orator Stephen M. Osborn 32 Prelate Gerald A. Earl 32 Marshal T. Franklin Keithahn IV 32 Sentinel Jason P. Rivers 32 Steven A. Wandel 32 Terry A. Grove 32 D. Joseph Lund 32 Steven L. Peden 32 Roberto Jusino 32 Alfred J. Luberts Jr. 32 Angelito V. Corpus 32 William C. Harker Sr. 32 There is a stated meeting of the Lodge of Perfection Friday September 16 th, and the KSA Installation will proceed immediately following the regular Scottish Rite stated meeting. The Installation is open to the public, so please feel free to bring your family and friends. Dr. Joby E. Dixon, K.C.C.H. is the Founding Venerable Master of the Valley of Austin, Knights Commander of St. Andrew, Order of the Thistle, and will be flying in from Washington D.C. to perform the installation of the Everett Chapter of the Knights of St. Andrew. It is likely that we will be accommodating a number of out-of-state visitors for dinner that evening, so if you are planning to attend the Installation please contact me as soon as possible. R.S.P.V. my at william.isabelle@verizon.net or I can also be reached at (206) I look forward to seeing you all there. Fraternally, William A. Isabelle 32

4 Albert Pike in Morals and Dogma says Masonry is useful to all men; To the Learned, because it affords them the opportunity of exercising their talents upon subjects eminently worthy of their attention; To the Illiterate, because it offers them important instruction; To the Young; because it presents them with salutary precepts and good examples, and accustoms them to reflect on the proper mode of living; To the Man of the World, whom it furnishes with noble and useful recreation; To the Traveler, whom it enables to find friends and brothers in countries where else he would be isolated and solitary; To the Worthy Man in Misfortune, to whom it gives assistance; To the Afflicted, on whom it lavishes consolation; To the Charitable Man, whom it enables to do more good, by uniting with those who are charitable like himself; And to all whom have souls capable of appreciating its importance and of enjoying the charms of a friendship founded on the same principles of religion, morality, and philanthropy. A SPRIG OF ACACIA Say ye that now, alas! Has come the night, When peace and silence holds unrivalled sway: When neath the scepter of death s awful might Our Brother left the realms of timeworn day Then, hush, ye Craftsmen-friends who loved him well; I say that to him comes a wondrous sight; Our Brother now is underneath the spell of our Grand Master s everlasting light. Yes! I admit its solemnness and dread- But are not Masons taught the way to die? And I repeat, our brother is not dead, He built on earth a Lodge-room in the sky. Where, with the Master Builder, lo! He waits For you, my brethren, all at heaven s eternal gates! Charles F. Forshaw A Masonic Moment An elderly builder was ready to retire. He told his employer-contractor of his plans to leave the house building business and live a more leisurely life with his wife enjoying his extended family. He would miss the wages, but he needed to retire. They could get by. The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go and asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favor. The builder said yes, but in time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end a dedicated career. When the builder finished his work the employer came to inspect the house. He handed the front door key to the builder. "This is your house," he said, "my gift to you." The builder was shocked! What a shame! If he had only known he was building his own house, he would have done it all so differently. So it is with us. We build our lives, a day at a time, often putting less than our best into the building. Then with a shock we realize we have to live in the house we have built. If we could do it over, we'd do it much differently. But we cannot go back. You are the builder. Each day you hammer a nail, place a board, or erect a wall. Life is a do-it-yourself project," someone has said. Your attitudes and the choices you make today, build the "house" you live in tomorrow. Build wisely! Submitted By Charrison Lochaby 32º God grant, that not only the Love of Liberty, but a thorough Knowledge of the Rights of Man, may pervade all the Nations of the Earth, so that a Philosopher may set his Foot anywhere on its Surface, and say, This is my Country. Benjamin Franklin, 4 December, 1789 Editors Note: If your received this document by the U.S. Postal Service and would like to receive via , contact WB Ken Thompson by sending me your address so I can put you on my list. My address is knthom@gte.net

5 Anchor of Liberty by Steve Osborn 32º WE all use symbols and participate in rituals of one sort or another. One is used in Lodges, meetings, and events, to start the school day and sometimes even the workday. Without reflection on what the words mean, by mere repetition, the meaning can die out. School children even run it together as the Pledge allegiance. How often do we reflect on what that pledge really means? I pledge allegiance to the flag... What is a flag? Webster s describes it as a piece of cloth or bunting with distinctive colors, patterns or symbolic devices used as a state symbol. In general it is an easily recognized symbol of a nation or group. Our flag (or national ensign) has gone through many incarnations from the Grand Union flag of the revolution through an everincreasing constellation of stars as states were added to the Union. The flag of the United States, Old Glory, has flown proudly as the ensign on ships protecting our shipping from both the British, and Barbary pirates, in the 1800' s, from the crest of Mt. Suribachi on Iwo Jima in World War II, on the moon and, as painted on Voyager, is now on its way to the stars. Sadly enough, it has also been displayed at Wounded Knee, Manzanar, Mi Lai and the Trail of Tears. Of the United States of America... What is the United States of America? It is a vast country, bounded on the East and West by the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, by Canada to the North and Mexico to the South, not to mention Alaska and Hawaii beyond those boundaries. It is the home of diverse peoples and many cultures. It has every extreme of climate and geology. And to the Republic for which it stands... What is a Republic? Webster says, It is a state or nation in which the supreme power rests in all the citizens entitled to vote (the electorate) and is exercised by representatives elected directly or indirectly by them and responsible to them. What is it that makes our republic so unique in the annals of history? It is the three documents bequeathed to us by the founders of our nation, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and the first ten amendments to the Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights. The founders of this nation had had their fill of autocratic government, unresponsive to the needs and wishes of its citizens. The Declaration of Independence spelled out the fact that every person had the inalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Inalienable means that it cannot be taken away or abridged. It also declared that every man had the right to Long and bitter campaign, the United States of America was born. A Constitutional Convention was held in which the framework of government was hammered out. When completed, it was a remarkably a brief document consisting of seven articles, which concisely spelled out the rights, privileges and obligations of all three branches of government and how each of the three should provide a system of checks and balances on the others so that no branch of the government could assume dictatorial power or infringe upon the rights of the people. Included was the process by which the Constitution could be amended. When the Constitutional Convention had drafted the document, almost as an afterthought it was decided that there should be an enumeration of simple acknowledged principles of the rights of man. The list of an American citizen's rights was to be an absolute barrier to infringement by the government upon the citizenry. These were added as the first ten amendments to the Constitution and are called the Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights is the irrevocable law of the land, the nation's ultimate guarantee of human dignity for every American. One Nation, under God, indivisible... The First Amendment declares the separation of church and state, but nowhere does it state that belief in a Supreme Being is something that cannot be professed publicly or shown in public places. Neither does it ban prayer in public. Rather, the separation of church and state was to guard against the growth of any sort of ruling theocracy such as had been seen throughout much of human history, where the church ruled and dictated human behavior according to its particular beliefs. America is one and indivisible for, since the Civil War, the United States, with all its diversity, has managed to remain one unit, one nation, under one Constitution. With Liberty and Justice for all. Those ten amendments are that guarantee. They cannot be abridged regardless of expediency. Nowhere else in the world does a citizen enjoy the enumerated rights and benefits guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. The President takes an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, as do the Senate and the House. The Supreme Court is to enforce those Constitutional guarantees and see that neither of the other two branches of government violates or tries to set aside those rights. It is the duty of every citizen to see that the Constitution and Bill of Rights is protected. Without them, the United States of America is nothing special, just another big country that may rule its people any way it sees fit. The people then become no more than servants of the state. It is only by knowledge that we can acquire wisdom and only by informed wisdom that we could maintain our unique and inalienable rights and freedoms. The Scottish Rite bookstore has an inexpensive ($5.00) volume titled Anchor of Liberty which has the story of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, along with its text and commentaries. I would urge everyone to obtain a copy, study it carefully, then loan it around for others to read and study.

6 Free and Accepted Masons Scottish Rite Bodies P. O. Box 1112 Everett, WA Non- Profit Org U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 372 Everett, WA AUGUST 2005 What is Scottish Rite? Although there is no higher degree than that of Master Mason, the 29 degrees of the Scottish Rite serve to enrich the philosophy of the Symbolic Lodge. A Mason who chooses to further his Masonic experience by becoming a 32 Scottish Rite Mason will be expanding upon the fundamental principles of Freemasonry. The moral and ethical lessons will allow him to be constantly reminded of his duty to God, family, country, and fellow man Valley of Everett - Orient of Washington Calendar of Coming Events August 06 Degree at the Masonic Park August 12 - Executive Council Meeting 6:30 PM Dinner - 7:30 PM Meeting August 26 - Executive Council Meeting 6:30 PM Dinner - 7:30 PM Meeting September 09 Friends Night Dinner at 6:30 PM Ladies and Guest Invited September 11 Executive Council 2:00 PM September 16 Consistory Stated Knights of St Andrews Installation 6:30 PM Buffet September 23 Lodge of Perfection 4 th and 6 th Degree 6:30 PM Buffet September 30 Council of Kadosh 9 th and 10 th Degree Masonic Trivia - Aitchison s Haven, a Masonic lodge in Musselburgh, Scotland, has the oldest written records - they date back to January 9, It ceased to exist in Mary's Chapel lodge in Edinburgh is the oldest Masonic lodge still in existence - its records date back to July 31, From Guinness book of world records.

Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry

Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Carl Smith, 33 Personal Representative of the S.G.I G. (360) 387-4357 Harry Sherman, 32 KCCH Secretary P.O. Box 1112 Everett, WA 98206 (425) 776-1578 Valley