Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry

Transcription

1 Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Carl Smith, 33 Personal Representative of the S.G.I G. (360) Charrison Lochaby, 32 KCCH Secretary P.O. Box 1112 Everett, WA Valley of Everett Orient of Washington Volume 16 November 2007 Issue 11 The Valley is once again fortunate to have several Brethren proceeding through the Degrees of Scottish Rite. Six Brethren began their journey on September 21 st and will complete their quest to become Masters of the Royal Secret (32 ) next May. They will receive the Perfect Elu Degree (14 ) on Friday, November 16 th. Do you remember the Lost Word? Here is an opportunity to be once again in possession of it. The members of the class are: Brother Lyle Ronning Yancey C. Blalock Lodge, No. 265 Brother John Friesen, Robert Burns Lodge, No. 243 Brother Lewis Bryant, Mount Baker Lodge, No. 36 Brother Efren Alas, Genesis Lodge, No. 305 Brother Antonio Bernales, LuzViMinda Lodge, No. 317 Brother Scott Slater. Mount Baker Lodge, No. 36 They have each been paired up with a mentor and now need only for each of us to greet them with a hearty welcome and make them glad they joined our Valley. This class will be treated to a new Degree, Knight of the East, of the Sword, or of the Eagle (15 ) on Friday, November 30th. The Degree will be under the direction of Brother Lee Schuirman, 32. This will give us all an opportunity to witness a Degree that we have not seen for quite some time and perhaps check it off on our Green Passports. Thanksgiving will soon be upon us. We in the Valley of Everett indeed have a lot to be thankful for. We have so many dedicated hard working Brethren that strive for excellence in everything they do. God has truly blessed us. May you, your family, and your friends enjoy a very Happy Thanksgiving! Carl B. Smith, 33 Personal Representative of the S.G.I.G. From the Almoner's desk If anyone knows of anyone who is ill, or in a nursing home or hospital, please let me know so I can send them a card to them or a visit. May God be with you? God Bless. Jim Raymond 32º KCCH, Almoner goflo2004@verizon.net Telephone:

2 Charrison Lochaby, 32º KCCH T.F.S. - Three, five, and seven By Ed Halpaus, Grand Lodge Education Officer. GL of MN "Teach your children the internals and the externals, rather than just the externals of clothing and money." Nannie Burroughs, This issue of Three Five and Seven contains an excellent article by Brother Elliott Saxton, which I am certain you will enjoy reading as much as I have. I'm pleased to be able to pass on Brother Elliott's article to you today. Fourth Degree as Explained by Morals and Dogma By Elliott Saxton Member Education Committee Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Minnesota Masonry is a progressive science. Its allegorical symbols build on each other, step by step, bringing the candidate to a higher level of understanding in Masonic symbolism. These symbols can be understood in a multitude of different ways on countless different levels. It is for that reason that the symbols of masonry require much study and discernment. An understanding of the blue lodge degrees is necessary to progress further in Masonry. The first three degrees are rich in symbolism, which is not at first readily understood. The blue lodge degrees may be disappointing when imperfectly explained. A new initiate, having first heard of masonry from the grandiose history of the craft or after a lecture on the influence of Masonic thought on the founding of the United States on human progress as a whole, may be let down by the straight-forward and blunt degrees if not instructed further. It is only through careful introspection, thought and further instruction that the candidate can understand the blue lodge degrees more fully. When a mason believes that he has finished his Masonic education, he is then perhaps educated enough to know that he is now able to start understanding Freemasonry in a newer, fuller way. Masonry is a progressive science; it does not end with the education of one man. The candidate for masonry advances to become a master mason, and then hopefully, to become a Masonic scholar and then to learn about masonry with other men, advancing in Masonic knowledge, teaching new master masons and each other. Unfortunately, Masonic scholarship sometimes finds itself in a lull. The lodge might find themselves without learned master masons to instruct the newer members. For this reason the progress of masonry might grind to a halt. The symbolism may be unimpressive and poorly explained, and the newly raised master mason may become uninspired. However, this ruined temple of masonry is a gateway to deeper Masonic knowledge. The mason should always see himself as being at a threshold of knowledge. If a newly raised master mason should find the lectures rudimentary, the symbols only briefly and poorly explained, if he should find errors in historical details and accounts, he should not be discouraged, but it should cause him to look deeper. The mason is a seeker of knowledge. The death of Hiram is not the conclusion of the Masonic education, or the last Masonic symbol that the new master mason will discover. The bulk of masonry is not found in the degrees, or in its traditions. The best part of masonry is in the progress of the human mind; the advances in philosophy, the arts and the sciences, as well as the discourse, reading, reflection, and digestion of ideas and concepts. The spark of progress brings light and light is wisdom. Wisdom is the most precious of all human treasures. It is not easily found, but yet it is humanity's destiny to seek after knowledge. Each person can be thought to begin their life as a seed. The seed will hopefully germinate then form into a shoot, then a tree. The progress of the seed and of humanity is difficult, filled with many chances to wither but progress is nonetheless its destiny. The seed that became a tall and hearty tree will one-day die, but it will have spurred other trees, perhaps a forest and progress will continue. After a man dies, hopefully his name will be fondly spoken of, his acts recounted and his virtuous influences will stretch on for eternity. Above all this, a man is remembered mostly by his contribution to human progress. The philosophers live on through their writings and teach even after the death of the language they wrote in. The utility of the knowledge used to build a monument survives eternally, while the monument itself is destroyed. Now, just like in the Entered Apprentice degree, the principal lesson of Secret Master is secrecy. Just as learning to be faithful to the literal and symbolic significance of secrecy marks the beginning of learning in blue lodge, so to we begin with it in the Scottish Rite. Secrecy is highly symbolic; of trust, silence, and of reflection and contemplation. Masons must show that they are able to hold a trust, that they can keep confidential the words uttered in private. Masons must be silent. They must take hint from the anatomy of the head, having two ears and one mouth. It is only through silence that one is able to hear and to learn. Above all these a mason must reflect and digest that he may understand, or else instruction is futile. A mason must pause, take a breath and reflect on what he has heard. The lesson of secrecy is also emblematic of the hard-earned knowledge that cannot be obtained on a whim. A teacher who desires to teach an unwilling pupil will not succeed; the teacher is throwing pearls to the swine. The child does not appreciate the knowledge, as the swine do not understand the value of the pearls. Do not reveal the lofty heights of human progress, of philosophy and Masonic knowledge to those who Continued on Page 5

3 MAKING GOOD MEN BETTER THREE STEPS TO CLARITY By: Lon Woodbury WM W. Grand Orator Grand Lodge of Idaho Annual Report, Sept 21, 2007 Submitted by Charles W. McQuery, 33º One of the most popular phrases used to describe Freemasonry is the term Making Good Men Better. This phrase might refer to the positive benefits of fraternity such as associating with role models, studying the specific principles contained in Masonic ritual, or even the idea of the good that comes from being involved with an active family of Masonic organizations in the sense that this is a village it takes to raise a child. But tonight I want to focus on the specific purpose of each degree The three degrees of the Blue Lodge can be viewed as a well thought out and very specific roadmap and guide toward self improvement or as an outline of how Masonry can make good men better. Although this does relate to self improvement of all kinds, the ultimate goal is looking at a spiritual self-improvement rather than just body building or developing vocational skills or other life skills pertaining to the material world. I use the term clarity in the subtitle partly as a definition, or one implication, of the Masonic injunction to seek more Light, in that more light is necessary to see more clearly. The term clarity also reflects the ideals of all major religions. For example, the concepts of Nirvana, Kingdom of God, Heaven and Paradise all boil down in part to the desire to cast aside the blinders we wear in the material world, to see and understand reality as it really is, to clearly see the spiritual aspect of life. The Bible talks of prophets, disciples and saints who saw and understood things most people did not see and did not understand. In other words, the Masonic injunction to seek more light is an injunction to really understand how we are stones for that spiritual house not made with hands. And, the three Blue Lodge degrees are a step-by-step guide toward mastery of that metaphysical clarity. Although the three steps are useful for worldly mastery, the highest meaning of the term Master Mason is finding spiritual light. The First Degree teaches us to control and discipline our emotions. Without success in this lesson, all else is for nothing. As is stated in the Entered Apprentice degree, we need to circumscribe our desires and keep our passions within due bound. Just what does this mean? Let me explain by comparing it to a popular slogan from the 1960s, If it feels good, do it. I m sure those of you who have been around a few years remember this slogan well. In a Masonic context, this mantra from the 1960s was suggesting we should satisfy and feed our emotional desires instead of following the Masonic injunction to discipline and control them. As became evident to the survivors of the 1960s and especially to Masons who believe there is a right and wrong, it is impossible to achieve a good life or do anything significant if we spend our energy feeding our desires and following our emotions wherever they may take us. It takes a lot of time and energy to hustle everything in a skirt, or if you are tired of your 40-year-old wife, trade her in for two 20s (perhaps three 20s for some of you), or attend every party you can find, or make illegal drugs an integral part of your life, or refuse to do anything that consists of hard work, etc. We are all faced with these temptations but most of us have learned, and Masonry teaches us, that even though we feel like sleeping in, we had better get to work and be serious about our responsibilities. Or, that continuing our relationship with our wife is more satisfying and meaningful than a series of affairs. The working tools we are given in this degree give us some direction as to how we can accomplish this emotional discipline. The 24-inch gauge reminds us to keep a balance in all things and can even be a check on making sure we are not doing too much even of a good thing. For example, even something like hard work to the exclusion of all else is giving in to some emotional desire or impulse that is out of balance. In addition, the common gavel teaches us that part of disciplining our emotions is to rid ourselves of bad habits. Disciplining and controlling our emotions is not easy, and even working at it for a lifetime, we still will not get it perfect. But Masonry tells us in the first degree that we must work toward this goal. How long a job this might be reminds me of a story of a Lodge that was preparing for a meeting when a very old man appeared. He looked older than dirt, and told them he was there to receive his 2 nd degree. Surprised and confused by his request, they asked him to explain. He explained that he had received his 1 st degree back in June of 1946 and was now ready to receive his 2 nd degree. They checked the records and sure enough, the minutes showed that in June of 1946 a man by that name had received the 1 st degree in their Lodge. Still surprised, they told him they probably could take care of him, but asked: Why did you wait so long? He told them that when he received his degree he was told to circumscribe his desires. He had been working on that ever since and now finally felt like he was successful enough that he was ready for the 2 nd degree. Fortunately, we don t demand perfection in emotional discipline before a candidate can proceed to the 2 nd degree, but the success of the lessons in the 2 nd and 3 rd degrees can only be done to the extent we learn this lesson from the 1 st degree. The Second Degree then expands the scope of the injunction of selfdiscipline by teaching us to discipline our minds and thus our actions also. In the Fellowcraft degree we are taught to study Geometry as the noblest science and the Seven Liberal Arts that consist of what is usually referred to as a classical education. We are taught to ponder on the meaning of life and learn from the cycles of a man s life and from the cycles in nature and civilizations. While the 1 st degree focuses on emotional discipline, the 2 nd degree carries that on to mental discipline. Continued on Page 4

4 MAKING GOOD MEN BETTER THREE STEPS TO CLARITY (Continued from Page 3) The mind by nature is a very unruly thing. We are all familiar with the difficulty of paying attention in school, or to a lecture. The undisciplined mind will drift off and turn to other things, often petty thoughts such as what is for dinner or resentment at some slight, and we suddenly jerk ourselves back to what is being said and find we have missed whole sections. As an example, I wouldn t be surprised if some of you just came back from wherever you mind might have been. It is not easy, and in our society we are required to attend many years of formal schooling in an attempt to master even a basic discipline of the mind. There is a more difficult mental task that is a real test of mental discipline. In meditation or prayer, the goal is to clear your mind of all thoughts or to focus on only one thought for a significant amount of time. It is when you try this that you become aware of the mind chatter that is always going on in your head and how unruly your mind is. Success in meditation or prayer is the ultimate in mental discipline. The injunction of the Fellowcraft degree is to continually work at this mental discipline, gradually enhancing your ability to maintain focus and to shut down the constant disruption from mental chatter. The working tools we are given in the 2 nd degree are the Plumb, Square and Level. The Plumb admonishes us to act upright before God and man, testing our actions by the Square of virtue and remembering that all men are equal. This means that before we act, we need to call on all our mental discipline to know what is the right and fair thing to do, not allow mistakes based on impulse or bias, and then do the right thing even when it might be unpopular, relying on the confidence of our own well thought out convictions and our ability to actually follow-up with action consistent with our convictions. Mastering the lessons of these first two degrees will enable you to be very successful in life. In fact, the institutions of child-rearing and formal education have been constructed in our society to facilitate training the child in these skills that are also the injunctions of the first two Masonic degrees. However, there is still another step necessary, to look at our spiritual side to have true clarity. Building on success in the lessons of the first two degrees, the Mason is ready to learn what is necessary to prepare his soul. In the 3 rd degree we deal with lessons of death and resurrection. We are taught that we all are mortal, and part of our responsibility is to prepare for the end of our life, which is a spiritual issue. But the issue is not the end of life so much as it is how we can prepare ourselves in the here and now. What can we do now that will not only make us a better person but will also prepare us for the afterlife? The death referred to in the 3 rd degree is, I think, mostly focused on the need for the death of the ego. Now this might be a rather controversial statement because all of us have what is referred to as an ego. It is an integral part of our personality. It can be argued that it is our ego that makes us want to become a better person and is the driving force that motivates people to great humanitarian and scientific accomplishments. But what the 3 rd degree is speaking of is the darker side of the ego, that is egotism, or what might be called narcissism self-love. In the Old Testament of the Bible, the Prophet says something like: Vanity, Vanity, all is Vanity. Substitute the term ego for vanity, and the meaning is pretty much the same. It is ego, or vanity, that motivates a person to see himself as better than others, putting others down in order to dominate. Ego, or vanity, cheats so that person can have more than they earned. It is ego, or vanity, that thinks me first and tough for others. It is ego, or vanity, that thinks or says My way or the highway. It is ego, or vanity, that starts wars. It is ego, or vanity, that joins radical and/or violent causes so that person can feel like he is the exclusive holder of truth, looking down on those he considers ignorant of the truth. As the Prophet suggested, all the ills of this world can be traced back to ego, or vanity. So, the Master Mason can do his part to be a better man and help create a better world by disciplining or eliminating his egotism. The primary tool the Master Mason is given to accomplish this is the trowel, to spread the cement of brotherly love. This is saying that to curb your ego and make the third and final step to clarity, you must learn to treat all on the level as your equal. None are to be treated as better or worse, all are brothers or sisters. When you can truly believe in brotherly love without reservation, you have conquered your ego. When a Master Mason can treat others in this way, he is exercising discipline of his emotions, discipline of his mind, and has eliminated his egotism. With success in the three steps Masonry lays out for us, he is well on his way to clarity and will be a success story in Masonry s injunction to Make Good Men Better. Definition of a Veteran Submitted by Ken Morris A veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve - is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America", for an amount of "up to and including my life." That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it. -- Author Unknown

5 MASONIC MOMENT By WB Wally Zink Do you just suppose that this is what it is all about? I would like to think so. Wally Zink Bro. George Washington's 1789 Thanksgiving Day Proclamation On this day in 1789 Brother George Washington proclaimed Thanksgiving Day as follows: "Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:" Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable inter positions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted, for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us. And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best." Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d day of October, AD G. Washington Reprinted from Cinosam From the Secretary (Continued from Pg 2) might simply scoff. Nor attempt to dissuade those who are opposed to masonry for whatever reason; it is an empty and fruitless pursuit. The mason must first prove that he can be faithful to his current obligations before he can be given more. No mason is rewarded with more until he has proven to be faithful to the duties that he already has; the lessons and duties of masonry build on each other progressively. The mason must be faithful, not only to his obligations to others, but also to himself, especially to his conscience and must never delude himself into thinking that he is at anytime unable to better himself. He must be faithful to his vows, knowing that taking on further responsibilities never means the removal of the previous responsibilities. A mason is taught that without duty and faithfulness he cannot be justly said to deserve his title and honors. A mason cannot falsely make a promise without dishonoring himself and masonry. The mason must cherish faithfulness to his duties and obligations above all things, even his life. A true mason knows that death is by far not the worst that can befall him. Without values, meaning, and a striving for progress there is no purpose for life. Without anything to die for, there is nothing to live for. By fidelity, a mason is able to earn the name and rank of secret master, always remaining faithful to the titles he is given, because any dishonor that the Mason brings to himself, he also brings to his title and to masonry.

6 August 30, 2007 Supreme Council Session The Supreme Council Mother Supreme Council of the World Of the Thirty-Third and Last Degree Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction, U.S.A. William R. Miller, 33 Sovereign Grand Inspector General st Avenue SW Federal Way, WA (253) or Fax (253) Grand Master Wayne Smith, Jan and Carl Alexander, Barbara and Paul Ingram, Nancy and Al Jorgensen, Diane and Chuck McQuery, Connie and Ted Shrum and Ruth and Alan Spreen joined Maralyn and me in Washington, DC for the biennial meeting of the Supreme Council. It was the first ever joint meeting with the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. Wayne and Chuck received the 33 in impressive ceremonies by a SJ team after witnessing a quite different version of the 33 the day before. The weather was hot and humid. Public sessions were held in the great ballroom of the Washington Hilton Hotel, so everyone who wanted to attend, including ladies, was accommodated. Everything was video taped live to large screens to facilitate viewing by the audience. It is rumored a DVD may be produced, suitable for viewing at one of your future meetings. There were a number of actions taken or announced that will be of interest to Valleys and members. Here is a capsule of what we did: Elected the eight top officers: Ronnie Seale, Grand Commander; Curtis Lancaster, Lt. Grand Commander; Bob Goldsmith Grand Prior; Bob Hannon, Grand Chancellor; C. B. Hall, Grand Minister of State; Jim Cole, Grand Treasurer General; John Moyers, Grand Secretary General and Karl Reed, Grand Almoner. Bill Brunk was appointed Grand Orator, the final member of the Council of Administration. The balance of the appointed officers were announced and will be published later. Elected and crowned nine new S G I G s. Bill Mollere, LA; Tom Payne, NM; Len Proden, DC; Hugh Gill, KS; Bill Stovall, CA; Joe Alexander, ID; Hoyt Samples, TN; Bob Cockerham, MO; and Doug Adkins, TX. The Supreme Council now has a full complement of 33 members, however Jack Rehberg will retire at the end of this year after having served 25 years as the SGIG in Montana. No additional Active Members are scheduled to retire until after the biennial session in Elected nine new 33 Grand Crosses. The Supreme Council office will announce their names and a bio shortly. Spent a full day on Saturday working on tools to implement the Strategic Plan for the Scottish Rite, SJ, which addresses opportunities to fulfill the promise of additional Masonic Education and Leadership Training, focuses on organizational and financial issues, projecting our public image and maximizing the benefits of our philanthropies. Expect further challenges to be presented at the Regional Leadership Conferences scheduled for Birmingham, March 7-8, 2008; Dallas, March 28-29, 2008; Minneapolis, April 19-20, 2008; and Seattle May 2-3, Re-confirmed that Valleys who remit the dues of Fifty Year Members or members age (80) and over, will be exempt from Supreme Council per capita if remitting dues is part of a structured membership program and the Supreme Council is given the names. Welcomed Grand Masters from forty-six jurisdictions. This is the most to ever attend one of our Biennial Sessions. The Grand Commander took advantage of several opportunities to reconfirm our allegiance to Craft Masonry and to recognize the supremacy of that Body. Welcomed the heads of and representatives of several major national Masonic Bodies. Welcomed and recognized a significant number of Grand Commanders and representatives of Supreme Councils with whom we are in Amity. This included the Grand Commanders of the two Prince Hall jurisdictions. Elected the visiting Grand Commanders as Members of Honor of our Supreme Council.

7 Adopted balanced budgets for the Supreme Council, the House of the Temple and the Scottish Rite Foundation. The Chief Financial Officer presented budget material in great detail. Budgets are now developed, managed and reported on by cost center and the new process of accountability is working very well. It was reported that income for the biennium will be greater than budgeted and that expenses will be less than budgeted. However projections of future income and expenses are not as bright. No per capita increase will be required to support the budget however it is expected that a $5 increase will be proposed at the 2009 biennial session. There was a great deal of discussion about the reporting format adopted for Valley reporting this year, especially the financial reporting forms. We can look forward to additional minor changes, and we can expect some better instructions to go along with them. Hopefully we will be able to settle on a reporting format that will last for some time to come. Reports in the new format will now be required every year. Elected 1,775 members to receive the 32 KCCH and 796 members to receive the 33. That is 0.70% and 0.32% of our 12/31/06 Consistory membership of 251,011. While the number of members elected to receive honors are down from 2005, the percentage is slightly higher. David Morgan,, Chairman of the Committee on Obituaries reported the death of 838 Knights Commander of the Court of Honor and 635 Inspectors General Honorary during the past biennium. At year end 2006 we had 217 Lodges of Perfection with 252, 900 members and 199 Consistories with 251,011 members. We lost 20,869 members by death during the biennium. Took the following actions on the legislation that was before the Supreme Council: Confirmed the change to Article VI, Section 49 to change the employee retirement plan from a defined benefits program to a defined contribution program. This change was made at a special meeting of the Supreme Council in Louisville, KY on June 24, Deleted the requirement in Article IV, Section 8 of the Statutes to elect those nominated for honors from a roll call vote of the Active Members. Added a new Section 3 to Article XX so that a financial impact statement must accompany every future proposal to amend the Statutes. Amended Article X, Section 6 to confirm that Deputies serve at the will and pleasure of the Grand Commander. Amended Article XI, Section 8 to provide for the payment of mileage and per diem to Deputies attending Supreme Council session on the same basis as Active Members. Amended Article XI, Section 4 to make clear the minimum fees that are to be collected for conferring Degrees and that fees collected for honors are to be paid over to the Supreme Council. Created a Section 24 to Article XIII to adopt and establish an Official Flag for the Southern Jurisdiction. Look for an announcement soon, making the 3 x 5 flag available for purchase. We did not adopt a proposal to require a biennial performance review for all Deputies and Active Members. Nor did we eliminate the Statutory requirement in Article VI, Section 3 that the Grand Commander visit a Body in every Orient at least once during each biennium. We had a spirited discussion on a proposal to return the honors nomination formula to pre 2003 levels. You will recall that we essentially doubled the number of nominations at that session. While there is a strong sentiment to limit the nominations in order to make sure we do not cheapen the honor, there is never the less a strong realization that we must be able to continue to recognize those whose leadership keep us a viable organization. The proposal failed, but there may be a future effort to modify the formula to protect the smaller Orients. It is expected that the next Biennial Session will be in Washington, DC October 4-6, 2009

8 MENTORING IS UNDERWAY By Bob Larsen, 33º The Valley of Everett s Mentoring Program is underway with the fall class. Mentors have been recruited and assigned to the new class of candidates. The Mentors Handbook has been developed and copies have been distributed to all of the active mentors. The first edition of the handbook contains by-laws, job descriptions, with an overview of mentoring and background on the Feast of Tishri and the Ceremony of Remembrance. We all must remember that the mentoring program is a work in progress. If any Brother would like to see more information included in the handbook please let us know. We hope to eventually, have a handbook that is a ready reference for the individual mentor whereby he can quickly look up the answer to any question that a candidate might have. Another aspect of the mentoring program that is often overlooked is the fact that every member of the Valley of Everett should consider himself as a mentor and go out of his way to make the new candidates feel welcome and answer any question they might have. Everyone should strive to get to know the new Brothers and get them involved in all of our activities and make them feel welcomed at all our meetings, dinners and other activities. Remember the admonition that come from our Blue Lodge ritual, Remember my Brothers we are a band of Brothers among whom no contention should every exist. A NEW SIGN A young Entered Apprentice was being examined as to his proficiency in the Entered Apprentice Degree. After he had finished, he looked at his instructor and said, "I noticed several of the older members sticking their fingers in their ears and whistling. Is that a sign that I missed something? What does that sign mean?" "That's not a sign," his instructor said, "those are old Past Masters adjusting their hearing aids." Reprinted from Cinosam Long Range Planning Workshop By Charles W. McQuery Three years ago a group of Scottish Rite Brothers gathered at the Everett Masonic Center to set the direction for the Everett Valley. The initiatives that were determined at that time has been accomplished and the Valley is much better off that we were three years ago. It is time to revisit our successes and set the course for the future of the Everett Valley. We will be meeting on Saturday March 1, 2008 to dream about our future. Every member is invited and encouraged to participate in making the Everett Valley the best we can be. Please mark your calendars. In order to have sufficient supplies and lunches we need your reservation. Contact our Secretary, Charrison Lochaby, 32 KCCH, to make your reservation. YOU MIGHT BE A MASON IF: Submitted by Bro. Chip Gowdey You might be a Mason if: It never occurred to you to be offended by the phrase, "One nation, under God." You might be a Mason if: You've never protested about seeing the Ten Commandments posted in public places. You might be a Mason if: You bow your head when someone prays. You might be a Mason if: You stand and place your hand over your heart when they play the National Anthem. You might be a Mason if: You treat Viet Nam vets with great respect, and always have. You might be a Mason if: You've never burned an American flag. You might be a Mason if: You know what you believe and you aren't afraid to say so, no matter who is listening. You might be a Mason if: You'd give your last dollar to a friend.. DID YOU KNOW? In lodges of the 1700's the emblems and symbols of the different degrees were drawn on the floor of the lodge with chalk or charcoal. They were obliterated at the end of each meeting because lodges met in rented rooms, and they did not want strangers viewing their secret writings. As this was troublesome and messy they were next painted on cloth or canvas, carried to each meeting and laid on the floor, hence the name 'carpets'. Today, these carpets, or charts as they are now called hang from walls or frames, and are displayed as required for the different degrees.

9 The members of the Valley of Everett Scottish Rite extend to all the Brethren listed below, born in the month of November a very Happy Birthday! Vance Allred Herbert Andrews Charles Bash Robert Burdett Arthur Burke Joseph Bynum Michael Capps Glen Clark Angelito Corpus Chuck Dapiaoen Roy Deaver Jack Estes R. Dale Fluaitt Donald Galt Ronald Johnson Marvin Keske Henry Kirby Nils Larsen Robert Lee James Mays Donald McCabe Richard McCaleb William Miller James Raymond Harley Robb Vernon Rognaldson Wayne Rose Teddy Sanders John Smeby Dean Smyth Kenneth Thompson Thomas Thornton Bill Turner George Vaughn Travis Wieneke Masonic Fact The first group of the Resistance {during World War II} was founded by five Masons. This body, "Resistance," soon merged with "Liberation." The organization thus formed succeeded in contacting London after ascertaining that there were Masons in the London broadcasting station, the broadcasts of which began with the motto "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity." Brother Roig succeeded in contacting London through Englishmen who escaped. This liaison was effected as the result of the visit of a Canadian aviator. Unfortunately, Brother Roig was arrested, imprisoned at Fresnes, and shot ten weeks later. However, the work was well under way. New Brethren joined the movement and the organization took the name of C.A.M. (Masonic Action Committee. This committee worked air both a patriotic and a Masonic organization. The patriotic section chose for its name "Patriam recuperare" and had a paper, The New Republic. Valuable information on the location of troops and the sites of the ramps from which the V-1 bombs were launched, as well as the memoirs of Paul Reynaud, were sent to London. One Brother succeeded in joining General De Gaulle at Algiers. Information was furnished concerning the German counter-espionage. Work was done towards the organization of a secret army in Paris. Shelter was given to numerous escapees and parachutists." - From the May, 1946 Philalethes Society Magazine Valley of Everett Refrigerator card (Please cut out this card and place it on your Refrigerator as a reminder of upcoming Scottish Rite and other meetings, appointments or events) November 2007 Nov 09 Lodge of Perfection 12 th & 13th Degree 6:30 PM Buffet Nov 11 Executive Council Meeting -2:00 PM Nov 16 Chapter of Rose Croix 14 th Degree Nov 30 Consistory - 6:30 PM Buffet Dec 21 Valley of Everett Annual Christmas Party 6:30 PM Punch Bowl Social 7:00 PM Dinner Notes for other Meeting/Events Date Function Valley of Everett Contact List Carl Smith, 33º, Personal Representative of the S.G.I G. Telephone: Umpire@wavecable.net Charrison Lochaby, Secretary Telephone: clochaby@whidbey.com Jim Raymond, Almoner Telephone: goflo2004@verizon.net

10 Everett Bellingham Bremerton Seattle** Tacoma Olympia & 10 10/26/ /9/ /9/ /16/07 4/30/08 10/10/07 10/10/ /30/ /15/08 10/24/07 10/13/ /14/ /15/09 12/12/07 10/13/ /20/09 12/19/07 10/13/07 COMING ATTRACTIONS Valley of Everett Annual Event Christmas Party Friday, December 21, 2007 At the Everett Masonic Center 6:30 PM Punch Bowl Social 7:00 PM Dinner Ladies, Guest and Children are invited to attend

11 Valley of Everett Calendar of Events Nov 9 Lodge of Perfection Stated 6:30 PM Buffet 12 th and 13 th Degree Nov 11- Executive Council Meeting 2:00 PM Nov 16 Chapter of Rose Croix 6:30 PM Buffet 14 th Degree Nov 30 Consistory 6:30 PM Buffet Dec 09 - Executive Council Meeting 2:00 PM Dec 14 Lodge of Perfection Stated 6:30 PM Buffet Elections Program Dec 21 Lodge of Perfection Stated Christmas Dinner and Program - 6:30 Punch Bowl Social 7:00 Dinner DISTRICT EIGHT MASONIC HAPPENINGS November 2007 Date Day Time Lodge Event 03 Saturday 8:00 AM Robert Burns 243 Symbolic Lodge Officer Council 06 Tuesday 7:30 PM Sultan-Monroe 160 Stated Meeting 7:30 PM Crystal 122 Stated Meeting - Elections 7:30 PM Robert Burns 243 Stated Meeting 07 Wednesday 6:30PM Centennial 25 Stated Meeting Birthday Dinner 7:30 PM Alpha 212 Stated Meeting 08 Thursday 7:30 PM Peninsular 95 Stated Meeting 10 Saturday 2:00 PM Damascus 199 Installation of Officers 7:30 PM Peninsular 95 Installation of Officers 12 Monday 7:30 PM Everett 137 Stated Meeting - Elections 13 Tuesday 7:30 PM Damascus 199 Stated Meeting 14 Wednesday 7:30 PM Arlington 129 Stated Meeting Veterans Night 17 Saturday 2:00 PM Arlington 129 Installation of Officers 20 Tuesday 6:30 PM Sultan-Monroe 160 6:30 PM Dinner - Stated Meeting 7:30 PM Crystal 122 Stated Meeting - Step Up Night 21 Wednesday 7:30 PM Centennial 25 State d Meeting Rusty Mason Night DISTRICT NINE MASONIC HAPPENINGS November 2007 Date Day Time Lodge Event 01 Thursday 7:30 PM Burlington-United 93 Stated Meeting 03 Saturday 4:00 PM Langley 218 Installation of Officers 06 Tuesday 7:30 PM Mount Baker 36 Stated Meeting 12 Monday 7:30 PM District 9 Lodge Officers - Regular Meeting 13 Tuesday 7:30 PM Fidalgo 77 Stated Meeting 15 Thursday 7:30 PM Camanio 19 Stated Meeting 17 Saturday 2:00 PM Camanio 19 Installation of Officers 19 Monday 7:00 PM Langley 218 Stated Meeting 20 Tuesday 7:30 PM Whidbey 15 Stated Meeting 21 Wednesday 7:30 PM Garfield 41 Stated Meeting 24 Saturday 2:00 PM Garfield 41 Installation of Officers Note: Brethren take the time to visit your local Blue Lodges and share with then the opportunities that are available to them in our valley

12 Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Valley of Everett 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 November 2007 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. IN THIS ISSUE - From the Personal Rep - From the Secretary, 3, 5, 7 Steps - Making Good Men Better Three Steps to Clarity - Lon Woodbury WM - Calendar of Events Supreme Session Minutes - Director of Works Mentoring is Underway - A Masonic Moment WB Wally Zink - November Birthdays] - Long Range Planning Workshop - Definition of a Veteran - George Washington 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation - You Might Be A Mason if: - November Refrigerator Card Webmasters Note: Come visit the Everett Valley web site. It is located at: DATES TO REMEMBER December 21, 2007 Valley of Everett Annual Christmas Party Ladies, Guest and espcially Children are in vited to attend A Special Visitor is scheduled to attend 6:30 PM Punch Bowl Social 7:00 PM Dinner Rules of Civility, Do not call attention to the faults of other in an effort to detract from your own Uncle Joe, The Chinaberry Tree Philosopher Valley of Everett Contact List Carl Smith, 33º, Personal Representative of the S.G.I G. Telephone: Umpire@wavecable.net Charrison Lochaby, 32 KCCH Secretary Telephone: clochaby@whidbey.com Jim Raymond, 32 KCCH Almoner Telephone: goflo2004@verizon.net Kenneth Thompson, 32 Editor Telephone: Kenneth.thompson32@verizon.net