Cathedral News Volume LXXXVII: 2 October, 2 014

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1 AASR Valley of Bloomington, IL - 32 Masons Cathedral News Volume LXXXVII: 2 October, What's Inside Fall Reunion Degrees DeMolay Commander-In-Chief Comments Duke's Coner Reunion Update Reunion Menu Discover the Valley Cornbelters Game Salvation Army Bell Ringing Do You Know Movies? Guys of the Rite Critic's Corner Newsbriefs Bloomington Lodge Events Friday, Nov 7 4th M aster Traveler 7: 00 PM 13th Master of the Ninth Arch 7:50 PM Saturday, Nov 8 12th Prince of Mercy (video) 9:00 AM 25th Master of Achievement 10:15 AM 28th Knight of the Sun 11:15 AM Lunch 11: 50 AM 30th Grand I nspector 1: 00 PM 32nd Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret 2:30 PM We are resuming activity this month with an Advisory Council Training on Sunday, October 19, at 8: 00 AM, followed by a fun event for the new members. I f you are available, please consider attending; this will allow you to be an active participant on the Advisory Council for our Chapter. As always, if you know of a young man age , please feel free to talk with them about the fun and rewarding opportunities available in DeM olay! The Chapter will meet monthly on the 3rd Sunday at 2:00, for our Stated M eeting. All M aster M asons are welcome to attend the meetings. Please visit our page on Facebook at: facebook. com/dage nhartdemolay Thank you, Jeff Fox, Advisory Council Chairman

2 This past winter was a rugged one. I t was cold. The wind howled through the leafless trees. The snow was deep. When the warmer temps started to return I was looking for motivation to build my running back up. After a group run, someone mentioned that registration had just opened up for a trail run in September. I t was exactly what I was looking for. Signing up for a 51-mile trail run sounded like the perfect plan to cast off the winter blues and get me back in shape for the summer races. Stretch goals take us out of our comfort zones. This type of goal puts us at risk for failure. This type of goal also presents opportunity for great success. I t has the potential to show us things that we have never seen in ourselves. I n our Scottish Rite Valley we have a stretch goal for our Fall Reunion. We are looking to bring in 40 or more new members. The officers and I feel that while this is achievable, it will not be an easy task. Going for the Stretch Goal Before this race, the farthest I had run was a 30- mile trail run. I n the past 15 years our Valley has not had a reunion class of 40 members. Training this past summer, I learned a number of things. The first is that the first person on the trails takes out the most spider webs. I made adjustments in hydration and nutrition while running. I took up yoga and pilates to strengthen my back and core. I did back to back long runs to boost my endurance. As the race approached I felt good in every aspect except speed. About the time I realized that my speed was going to be a problem, the race director announced an earlier starting time for those who wanted extra time. I nstead of a 4: 30 am start, I would start at 3:00 am. We had perfect weather on race day. When I started, the stars were out, it was a cool 43 degrees, no wind, and the trail grass had been mowed short. The trail was lined with flags. Each flag was topped with a reflector that lit up from the light of my headlamp. I was off to a good start. By the time I completed 34 miles ( two 17 mile loops) it was clear that I was not going to finish the race by the 5: 30 pm cutoff. I accepted an official 34-mile completion. While the race was over for me, I was not done. M y goal was to complete 51 miles. I kept going. H our after hour I continued to make headway. At mile 47. 5, I was approaching a water crossing and the three biggest hills on the trial. It was time to stick a fork in me and call me done. I did not make the full 51 miles, but I had a very successful day. I had just increased my longest run by miles and ( ignoring pain in the last few miles) I had a good time doing it. Will we make our stretch goal of at least 40 members at our Fall Reunion? I don t know. But what I do know is that we are going to give it a good effort and have some fun preparing for it. I n the final analysis, the goal isn t about a number. I t s more about seeing what we are capable of, and providing a rewarding experience along the way. See you in November. Roger Aukerman, Commander-I n-chief Pa g e 2 Cathedral News

3 Brethren, The Fall Reunion will be upon us before long. Please take a few minutes to make sure you have everything you need for your degree. I f you need anything from wardrobe, please contact me the week of prior to Reunion. I will be in and out of the BCPA Wardrobe area Thursday and Friday, the week of the Reunion. As always, if you find a costume that needs repaired, fixed, or updated, please fill out one of the " N EW" repair cards hanging on each degree rack that comes into the dressing room, and attach it to the costume. I will make sure that those items are sent for repair and taken care of. I will do my best to make sure you have whatever you need from my end, so that your degree is great. Mike Tutter Wardrobe Dept I magine eating the same meal everyday. We dogs don t have to imagine, because we do this year after year. Sure there is an occasional treat; however, each day someone fills my bowl full with the same food served the day before, and I go bonkers in excitement. I hear about people going to the same meeting over and over again. From comments made, listening to someone read meeting minutes must be pretty exciting. Sometimes that s the only thing I hear that got accomplished. I wonder why people attend this type of meeting. Maybe it s so they can work their way up to someday being the meeting minutes reader. Last month, my family started to bring home dog food in a different colored bag. I f I could read, I d tell you more about it. All I know is that it s different and it tastes fantastic. I liked everything about the dog food that was served yesterday, and I look forward to another bowl today. Then one day the color of the bag changes and things go from being good to being great. Be the person that changes things up from time to time. Be a doer. Get excited about making something that is good, great. You can do this and stay true to your core values. As an example, nothing discussed here remotely suggests forgoing my daily belly rub. Duke Making Good Men Better If you want to test your memory, try to recall what you were worrying about one year ago today. - E. Joseph Cossman We judge a man s wisdom by his hope. - Ralph Waldo Emerson Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it s time to pause and reflect. - Mark Twain LXXXVI I : 2 Oc t ober, Pa g e 3

4 As most of you know, our 218 th Reunion will be held at the Bloomington Center For the Performing Arts on Friday and Saturday, Nov 7 th and 8 th. The degrees being presented are the 4 th and 13 th on Friday, and the 12 th, 25 th, 28 th, 30 th, and 32 nd on Saturday. Friday' s dinner will be buffet style, catered by Times Past I nn, and the price will be $10 each. Saturday' s lunch will be deli style with soup and sandwiches, and the price will be $10 each. Saturday' s dinner will be full service with rib eye steak or grilled chicken with roasted garlic and mushroom sauce and all the timings, and the price will be $2 5 each. We are using Baxter' s as we did last fall, as we had a great experience with them. The quality of their entrees and service was excellent. As with last year, the difference between the prices charged and the actual cost will be paid by the Valley. Also, on Saturday following the 32 nd degree, free appetizers and cash bar will be available. Reservations can be made now. We ve been working to make our Reunion more hospitable for our Senior M embers. As we did in the Spring, we encourage anyone, not only those Seniors or M embers with disabilities, to use the southeast door. From there, you can take the elevator to the cafeteria level for registration, and to the auditorium level for the degrees, thus avoiding the stairs. We will have a break room set up in the southeast room of the auditorium level, with seating, drinks, and snacks, for use between degrees. Also concerning not just Seniors, but any M ember, if transportation is the only reason for not attending all or parts of the Reunion, PLEASE CON TACT TH E OFFI , as we have volunteers that may be able to provide transportation. Finally, to honor all of our Senior M embers ( M embers over 80 years of age), the Valley will pay for any meals provided during our 218 th Reunion. Reservations must be , and be sure to mention your Senior status. Bob Erwin Valley Secretary I f you haven' t yet, provide your address to the office, at execsec@aasrbloomington. org, to be sure you' re receiving our communications. Don' t miss out! Valley of Bloomington Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Scottish Rite Office (309) Commander-in-Chief Roger Aukerman, MSA, 33 Thrice Potent Master Patrick Schlehuber Sovereign Prince Michael Hiter Most Wise Master Thomas Grogg Executive Secretary Robert Erwin Treasurer Barry Weer, 33 Board of Trustees 1st Lt. Commander Andrew Bender, 33 2nd Lt. Commander John Dorner, 33 Deputy Master Dorian James High Priest Sr. Warden Gerald Gooding Eddie Lane Trustee Barry Carney, MSA Trustee Danny Leifell, 33 Committees Audit Winford McElroy, 33 Membership Al Abbott Lodge Liaison Mike Tutter Director of Work Dennis Garrigus, MSA Asst DirectorofWork Billy Burden, 33 History John Dorner, 33 Legal Andrew Bender, 33, Danny Leifel, 33 Permanent Fund RogerAukerman,MSA,33 Finance Barry Weer, 33 Planning Larry Raglan Properties C. Walden Crouch, 33 SRRA Barry Carney, MSA CommunityConcerns Andrew Bender, 33 Larry Raglan Scholarships RogerAukerman,MSA,33 Webmasters Patrick Schlehuber, Barry Carney, MSA, Tom Grogg, John Dorner, 33 Newsletter Dorian James Pa g e 4 Cathedral News

5 Menu Friday Nov 7, Dinner 5:30 pm Fried Chicken or Lasagna, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Corn, Garden Salad, Rolls, Iced Tea, Coffee $10 Saturday Nov 8, Lunch 11:50am Assorted Deli Sandwiches, Condiments and Garnishes, White Cheddar and Broccoli Soup, Clam Chowder Soup, Chips, Cookies, Iced Tea, Coffee $10 Saturday Nov 8, Cash Bar & Hors d Oeuvres 3:30pm Honey Glazed Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts, Chocolate Covered Strawberries, and BBQ Meatballs, Top Shelf Full Bar, Mixed Drinks, Wine, Domestic, and Imports Saturday Nov 8, Dinner Entrees 5:00pm Rib-eye, 10oz. with Maitre 'd Butter, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Broccoli Grilled Chicken with Garlic & Mushroom Sauce, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Broccoli Tuscan Pasta Fresh Vegetables, Penne & Garlic Cream Sauce Mixed Green Salad, Dinner Rolls Iced Tea, Coffee Dessert Carrot Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting, German Chocolate Cake, and Gooey Butter Cake $20-25 Reservation Form Qty Friday Dinner $1 0 each Saturday Lunch $1 0 each Saturday Dinner Rib-eye $25 each Grilled Chicken $20 each Tuscan Pasta $20 each Total Grand Total: Mail reservations to PO Box 3695, Bloomington, IL or call as soon as possible, and no later than Friday, October 31 st. Member Name (Please Print) LXXXVI I : 2 Oc t ober, Pa g e 5

6 We will meet at DeLongs' Casual Dining and Spirits, 201 N. Mill St, in Pontiac. After a 1:00 PM lunch, those interested can go for a trolley ride through Pontiac to see the murals. However, we can only allow 30 people on the trolley, so the trolley ride will be first come, first served. There is the possibility for a stroll through one of the museums. However, that will depend on the time and availability of the volunteers which work the museum, as all manpower is donated. They request a $5 donation. Lunch attendance has no max number of attendees. Delongs has a great selection of mouth-watering dishes, and we will be ordering off the menu. You can view the menu and a map at www. viewmenu. com/delongs-casual-dinning/menu?ref= google. Larry E Raglan On Saturday, September 27, 2014, several of the members of the Valley met at the annual Apple and Pork Festival in Clinton. We gathered in front of the C. H. M oore H omestead to wait for the ceremonial flag raising performed by the local chapter of the American Legion, with musical accompaniment by the Clinton H igh School Band. Although we waited for an extended time due to a delay in the flag raising, it was a blessing in disguise. It seems that a couple of our brethren were in the right place at the right time. They assisted in helping a lady, who had fallen sick, to an awaiting car. I t is interesting to note the two gentlemen, Brothers Ron Devore and Robert Adcock, who raised the flag are members of Dewitt Lodge #84 located in Clinton. I would like to extend a special thanks to all who waited for the ceremony. Your patience is much appreciated. Larry E. Raglan Pa g e 6 Cathedral News

7 The Second Annual Busy Corner Pie N ight took place on September 2 9. The Valley was represented by members who came in from all directions. We had great fellowship and wonderful food. M ost importantly, I am happy to report that our Commander-I n-chief Roger Aukerman was successful in ordering Pecan Pie which, when placed before him, didn' t last very long. A special thank you to all who attended. Larry E. Raglan LXXXVI I : 2 Oc t ober, Pa g e 7

8 The Scottish Rite Recreation Area hosted a great time in the official Flashback Photo Booth. The Valley had a great time at the Cornbelters game, on August 23 rd. We have the Salvation Army Bell ringing reserved for these time slots in Eastland Maill, in front of Macy s. We need volunteers for each of the time slots, preferably two for each slot. This is a nice, comfortable place to ring bells. Dec pm 6-8 pm Dec pm 6-8 pm Contact Pat Schlehuber at to reserve your spot. Pa g e 8 Cathedral News

9 Match the movie quotes on the left to the movies on the right. Answers at bottom of page. 1 It was a run by fruiting. 2 Real loss is only possible when you love something more than you love yourself. 3 To live would be an awfully big adventure. 4 I'm history! No, I'm mythology! Nah, I don't care what I am; I'm free! 5 If we re going to fight a disease, let s fight one of the most terrible diseases of all, indifference. 6 Carpe diem. a Aladdin b Dead Poets Society c Mrs. Doubtfire d Patch Adams e Hook f Good Will Hunting Provided by Brother M ovie Quotes When I arrived at my first duty station in the Army, the Company Commander said, Leifel, you are the M otor Officer. I guess my surprise was evident ( from my gaping mouth, perhaps). As I left his office, I wondered what a H umanities major should know about being the chief maintenance officer in a tank company with 17 tanks and 5 trucks. The answer: I had to find someone who knew something about how and why tanks and trucks moved. Fortunately for my career, if not the fate of the Free World, I found such a person. Ever since, I have had a profound respect for those who know how things operate and who can keep the machinery going. As we approach another Reunion, I still marvel at how all the staging is done and at all the work that is done behind the scenes, so people like me can get out there and deliver the lesson of the degree, even though we never did learn our ritual. Of course, the same goes for how and why things operate in the real world. Remembering my own sense of befuddlement when I was directed to be the M otor Officer, I always counseled clients buying businesses to, make sure you retain the person who has the keys and knows how to turn on the lights." For the last 10 years I have watched M ike H iter perform as a helper on stage and as a solid leader of the Valley. Still, I was surprised to run into him at Bloomington H igh School a couple years ago, and I learned that he had been keeping the mechanical systems running there for 2 3 years ( which starting date, by coincidence, occurred while I was on the School Board but though I would like to take credit for his hiring, honesty precludes that). M ike is the kind of guy who has the keys and knows how to turn on the lights. M ike grew up on a farm near Weldon, just south of Clinton Lake, and has been a Scottish Rite M ason for some ten years. Since he is the silent type, you need to drag out of him that he and his wife, M arcia, live in Clinton, and that he is proud of his two sons, ages 34 and 35. One is a store manager at Lowes in Forsyth and the other a computer programmer. Everyone should want to know Mike, he s like the rest of us, normal ( or sometimes not N ormal) people who enjoy each other s company. M ike is a bit different because he has the keys and knows how to turn on the lights, just like my old maintenance N CO who saved my career and the Free World, 50 years ago. Dan Leifel Key to the movies: 1-c, 2-f, 3-e, 4-a, 5-d, 6-b LXXXVI I : 2 Oc t ober, Pa g e 9

10 I n this installment of " Critic' s Corner" I review the Tuesday, September 2 3, performance of the Valley of Bloomington s adaptation of the retired 2 6th degree presented at Pontiac referred to as the Lincoln Andy had wandered in and was interrupting the degree. Once the confusion settled down, Andy guided M r. Lincoln to the hospital bed of our last character the dying Lodge s Past Masters night. I can report, without hesitation, that the highlights of the evening were the dinner and fellowship offered by the members and ladies of Pontiac Lodge. With approximately 30 people in attendance, it was a truly inviting atmosphere with ample opportunity to fill up on delicious food. I t was a fantastic experience that made you feel as though you were at a traditional family gathering. I cannot say enough about these fine brothers and their ladies. On a scale of 1-10, they receive an 11. Following the meal, four members of the Valley of Bloomington presented their interpretation of the retired 2 6th degree, often informally Degree. The degree started out at a fast pace with Dan Leifel providing background and setting for the vignette to come. H is performance stood out as a bright spot for the evening, mainly due to the lack of any sort of script holding him back from the adlibbing that seems to come so natural to this seasoned veteran of the small stage. For those who were able to stay awake, he provided a fine background for the story to come, as well as the history of mankind as we know it. Dan s fine performance was followed by the entry of Roger Aukerman portraying President Lincoln and Andy Bender portraying the smallest actor in the smallest part. Roger was instantly recognizable as Roger dressed up to look kind of like Abraham Lincoln. I nitially, some in the audience thought Confederate soldier portrayed by Adam Young. For Adam, all of his prior experiences of dying on stage made this role come naturally to him. Adam adeptly guided the degree from this point forward, avoiding the pitfalls brought about by Andy s inventive lines ( seriously Andy, you had like three lines to memorize) and Roger s repeated sneak peeks to see if his shoes were still tied ( he is tall and near-sighted). Eventually, the degree ended and the fine people in attendance applauded, mainly in fond remembrance of the meal they had eaten. It was a fine evening of entertainment, food, and fellowship. - By Brother Anonymous, pictures courtesy of Al Abbott Pa g e 10 Cathedral News

11 Issue Submission Deadline 10/ /2 5/ / /24/ / /25/ / /2 7/ / /2 4/ / /2 5/2 015 Constant Contact I f you would like to receive Constant Contact s, it s as simple as calling the office or sending an to: execsec@aasrbloomington. org. I n your , say Constant Contact: Add Me, Add Me. Roger Aukerman Bring your favorite chili, or at least your appetite, to the Chili Cookoff at the next Stated M eeting on Tuesday, November 4 th. This is always a good time for fellowship and chatting about which chili should win. The Rainbow Girls will be cooking up a batch of delicious cookies soon. Contact Lance Lowery to reserve your cookies, to help support the Rainbow Girls. Valley Newsbriefs Eternal Reward With sympathy and sorrow, we share in the loss of these, our Brothers. Jerry C Allain, Kankakee, IL Ivan E Houser, Mahomet, IL Leslie Wilson, Normal, IL Morris E Harkes, Cincinnati, IL John C Martin, Kankakee, IL 08/11 / /28/ /30, /28/ /1 2/201 4 Oct Upcoming Events DeMolay, 8am, Bloomington Lodge Bldg Pontiac Outing, DeLongs', 1 pm Rite Connection calling event, Bloomington Lodge Bldg, 6:30pm, pizza provided Scottish Rite Vision We will strive to be a fraternity that fulfills our Masonic obligation to care for our members. Nov Dec Trustees Mtg - 6pm, Stated Mtg - 7pm (Chapter Presiding), Chili Cookoff Fall Reunion Trustees Mtg - 6pm, Stated Mtg - 7pm (Consistory Presiding) LXXXVI I : 2 Oc t ober, Pa g e 11

12 Bloomington Consistory Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite PO Box 3695 Bloomington, IL ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED We're on the Web Vol. LXXXVII:2 October, Non-Profit Organization US Postage Paid Bloomington, IL Permit No. 37 On Saturday, August 2 nd, 2 014, Wade Barney Lodge #512 had the pleasure of welcoming back Brother Charles M. H arper, Sr., as he gave his presentation, " The Masonic Understanding of the Saints John". Brother Harper discussed the history of the Saints John within our ritual, as well as their symbolic relevance with regards to philosophy, history, and astronomy. What may seem to be a simple symbol within our ritual proved to be quite complex, with a rich background. Afterward, a question and answer session was held, which lasted twice the length of the presentation! Discussion was held among the brethren gathered, not only on the primary presented subject, but also on matters such as the evolution of M asonic ritual, the relationship between religion and Freemasonry, and processes for seeking further knowledge on our symbols and their histories. This Labor Day, Bloomington Lodge #43 marched in the parade, inviting the public to an Open H ouse at the Bloomingto n Temple following the parade. Compliment ary refreshmen ts were provided, as members of Bloomingto n #43 and Wade Barney #512 were present to answer questions and provide tours of the building. The event was a success, as multiple individuals and families stopped by, some who commented that they had been hoping for just such an occasion to see the inside of the historic building, or to find out more about the fraternity -- a few of whom ended up submitting petitions.