REPORTER Vol. XXXVII Published Monthly March/April, 2012

Transcription

1 THE SCOTTISH RITE The Scottish Rite Reporter Prsrt Std U.S. POSTAGE PAID Published Monthly 855 Elm Avenue Permit No. 16 Los Alamitos, CA Long Beach, CA POSTMASTER: DATED MATERIAL PLEASE DELIVER BY FEBRUARY 29th REPORTER Vol. XXXVII Published Monthly March/April, 2012 In Memoriam ILLUSTRIOUS JOSEPH W. R. ASHWILL, 33 JULY 2, FEBRUARY 9, 2012 POSTMASTER: DATED MATERIAL PLEASE DELIVER BY FEBRUARY 29th

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 2012 Officers Hon. Roy Ellis Steinfeld, 32, K.C.C.H., Venerable Master - L.B. Lodge of Perfection Hon. Harold D. Kennedy, 32, K.C.C.H., Wise Master - L.B. Chapter Rose Croix Thomas Horlick, 32, Commander - L.B. Council of Kadosh Keith Renner, 32, 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 Ricky Sullivan, 32, Tiler Cathedral Staff Ill. Don Fishering, 33, Chief Purveyor Matthew Marfield, 32, K.C.C.H., Librarian Ill. Aldo Zanier, 33, General Production Manager Jorge Caradilla, 32, Sound Director Paul Burgos, 32, Sound Director Florian Zukas, 32, Lighting Director Chuck Schubert, 32, Stage Director Open, 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 Andrews 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) N. Jack Dilday Senior Vice President - Investments ANDY HOWARTH P.O.Box Long Beach, CA Phone: (562) (949) Fax: (562) (310) Toll: (866) 494- EURO (714) Randolph D. Dilday Vice President - Investments Toll Free No East Pacific Coast Hwy., Suite 280 Long Beach, CA FAX 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 MARCH/APRIL,

3 KNIGHTS OF ST ANDREW MEETING, SATURDAY, MAR. 24th L.B. SCOTTISH RITE AT 10:00 A.M. Please join us Saturday, April 5th for Scottish Rite Dinner. Make your reservations early. This is a good time to introduce your friends to Freemasonry. DINNER RESERVATIONS No later than 3 days prior to the dinner Make Check Payable to L. B. Scottish Rite, and mail to L. B. Scottish Rite 855 Elm Ave., Long Beach, CA PHONE RESERVATIONS: (562) (714) secretary@lbscottishrite.com Phone Reservations Must Guarantee to show or pay Vegetarian dinners are available, please let us know at the time of your reservation NAME ADDRESS CITY ZIP PHONE ( ) Event Date $15.00 Each Total $ 18 THE SCOTTISH RITE REPORTER Notes from the Personal Representative Ill. James B. Scribner, 33 Assistant Personal Representative of the Sovereign Grand Inspector General in CA It is with a heavy heart that I write this month s article. Ill. Joseph W. R. Ashwill, 33, Personal Representative, passed away on Thursday, February 9, 2012, with his wife by his side. Ill. Joe had been in the Long Beach Memorial Hospital for an extended period of time. All of the Brothers that knew Ill. Joe knew about his passion and vision for the Long Beach Scottish Rite. He worked untiringly to make the Long Beach Scottish Rite the best Scottish Rite in the Orient of California. With his passing let us all redouble our efforts to continue this passion for the Scottish Rite. January started on a high note with our Installation of Officers. I want to thank those Brothers who helped on stage to include Ill. William F. Stovall, 33, Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the Supreme Council in California as Installing Officer; Ill. Tim Cable, 33, Installing Master of Ceremonies; and Ill. Raymond D. Godeke, 33, Personal Representative of the Valley of Santa Ana as Installing Chaplin. Congratulations to the newly installed heads of the lodges. Those installed were Hon. Steinfeld, 32, K.C.C.H. as the Venerable Master, Lodge of Perfection; Hon. Harold Kennedy, 32, K.C.C.H. as the Wise Master, Chapter of Rose Croix; Thomas Horlick, 32, as Commander, Council of Kadosh; and Keith Renner, 32, as Master of Kadosh, Consistory. Our long class began in January and at the date of this writing has completed two months of classes and degrees. We hold one long class and two short classes each year. One short class in the spring and one in November the same weekend we complete the long class. On Saturday, February 4, we held our ladies Sweetheart Dinner in celebration of Valentines Day. The catered food was excellent. The Purveyors, who always make our meals enjoyable, prepared special gourmet hors doeuvres, thanks to our cooking purveyor, Gail. Be certain to make your reservations so you can get dinner. Also, if you make a reservation and then do not show, we must charge you since we have to pay for the dinner. The entertainment for the Sweetheart Dinner was again our friend Clarence Ulrich, vocalist/entertainer. Many of you remember that Clarence sang as a lead singer for the group, The Drifters, for 27 years before deciding to work on his own in Southern California. Clarence set the theme of Sweethearts for his songs then asked the audience for their choice of songs. It was a very entertaining evening. For many years the Long Beach Scottish Rite has hosted a Maundy Thurs (Continued on Page 9) MARCH/APRIL,

4 VISIT YOUR LODGES ANGELS GATE LODGE #198: Bland Place, Lomita Meets every Tuesday (310) ARTESIA #377: E. 187th St., Artesia. Meets on Second Friday (562) BELLFLOWER #320: 9813 Beach St., Bellflower. Meets First Tuesday (562) EL SEGUNDO LODGE #421: 520 Main Street, El Segundo. Meets First Tuesday (310) GARDEN GROVE #352: 1270 Acacia Parkway, Garden Grove. Meets First Tuesday (714) GOLDEN TROWEL NORWALK #273: E. Rosecrans Ave., Norwalk. Meets Second Thursday (562) HUNTINGTON BEACH #380: 601 Palm Ave., Huntington Beach. Meets First Wednesday (714) INTERNATIONAL CITY #389: 5155 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., Long Beach. Meets First Thursday (562) LAKEWOOD #728: 5918 Parkcrest St., Long Beach. Meets First Thursday (562) LONG BEACH #327: 3610 Locust Ave., Long Beach. Meets First Thursday (562) LOS ANGELES HARBOR LODGE #332: 1640 W. 9th Street, San Pedro. Meets every Wednesday (310) LOS CERRITOS #674: 3610 Locust Ave., Long Beach. Meets First Monday (562) PACIFIC RIM #567: 3610 Locust Ave., Long Beach. Meets First Tuesday (562) SOLOMON S STAIRCASE #357: 6841 Western Ave., Buena Park. Meets First Thursday (714) THE SCOTTISH RITE REPORTER MARCH/APRIL,

5 (Continued from Page 7) BUILDING FUND DONATIONS FROM DUES (Cont.) William Beckham Wilton Roddy, Jr. J. Gary Hall Brice Martin Roger Freeman Matthew Marfield J. B. Carey ALMONERS DONATIONS FROM DUES Carl Stahlecker John Bauer Walter Donovan Francis Tanner Wilton Roddy, Jr. Ernest Loop Brice Martin Roger Freeman Matthew Marfiels Raul Tobias Jose Garcia Alvin Sorensen, Jr. Stuart Williamson Robert Van Tress Jack Parker William Sweet ALMONERS DONATIONS FROM DUES (Cont.) Joseph Casaletti III Harld Marglin Robert Munn Rory Richardson Gary Fishbeck H. B. Carey Henry Gillespie LANGUAGE DONATIONS FROM LIFE MEMBERS Kirby La Caze Max Stanger Alexander Tuger Byron Linden Fred Wheeler BUILDING DONATIONS FROM LIFE MEMBERS Alexander Tuger Rex Stephens Max Stanger ALMONERS DONATIONS FROM LIFE MEMBERS Alexander Tuger Fred Wheeler 365 CLUB RENEWAL Fred Wheeler FREEMASONRY TO ENJOY LIFE AND SERVE MANKIND Southern California Research Lodge F. & A. M. Submitted by Harold Kennedy, 32, K.C.C.H. TIES OLD APRON By David A. Roach, P.M. My brothers you may have noticed that I have chosen to wear the most worn out apron stored in the Lodge s apron box. Some, of you may have avoided this apron because it is tattered and worn and a little off color. The ties are a little frayed. But I see this apron as a tribute to this wonderful Lodge. Just think of all the brothers that may have worn this apron before me. A future Grand Master, Potentate or leader of any of the other Masonic organizations might have worn it when he visited while still a young man. A high standing, city or state official or even a US Congressman might have worn it before he even thought of attaining such an office. Hebrew 13:1 & 2 says that we should, let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. It is quite possible that there was a visitor who passed the examination that was a stranger to this Lodge and was also an angel of which you were unaware. However, this is not why I cherish this apron. I cherish the thought of wearing this apron because of another Mason. This Mason had the pure heart of a Mason. He recognized that God loved him first and he loved God with all his heart. He also realized that God loves all the people on this earth just like a Holy Father loves his children. He knows the only way that he could show his love for his Creator was to try to love God s children as much as God does. He remembered the story that his Lord told one day about the Good Samaritan and stopped and helped someone in trouble on a roadside. He noticed a window trying to buy food for her children. She lost her income when her husband died and could not afford to feed them properly. He pulled her aside and quietly gave her money to buy food for her children. He notice a man hobbling up a road struggling with every step. He stopped and picked the man up and went 60 miles out of his way to make sure that the man made it home. I know Masons that have done all of these things. Now this man may not have been a great orator. He may not have been able to recite great lengths of ritual. He may not have been able to do much of the degree work at all. He may have been a humble man that just helped cook or clean up or repair the Lodge, then again, he may have been all these things. But one things for sure. He was a Mason good and true. He understood the greatest things taught by our craft. So I wear this old tattered apron just on the chance that such a man wore it before me. I know that there have been such men in this Worshipful Lodge. As I look around I see some of them among us today. It is my hope and prayer that there will always be such men in this place. For God s glory will be here with them. [The Louisiana Freemason October 2003] 16 THE SCOTTISH RITE REPORTER MARCH/APRIL,

6 Dates of my performance as Tevye Thursday April 12th Saturday April 14th Friday April 20th Sunday April 22nd Thursday April 26th Saturday April 28th Photography Submitted by Barbara Ashwill Find and circle all of the photography terms that are hidden in the grid. The remaining letters spell a secret message. C L O S E U P E D S F I L T E R X C I E N G D A U A A M L E F L E F E A R G E N I S W F R R E A I N R S O H L O N R L L O N K E V E X R U G D C S L P I S E L A R E I L I M S F N E A I A P T S B T O R T L N I O AO I VLNR I H CNOE I GGOPG I CHEL I ANG OME SMB E X T T HRC L E F P G I NROL A T EMAOE TUONOE E L T P O T M R H R E T HROPGTCRP R T H L E O U G T N N P T E T O N U A ANRVOTOU I ST I ERHHA TN S I O I A C H Z T L E F R L L P L R N T T E S P S W O L L E B X P E C A E I A E R U S O P X E R E D N U M T B P N HSAL FBDREDN I FWE I V AG R E G R A L N E R A N G E F I N D E R E V I T A G E N O T E P A N O R A M A E O H S T O H R P R O C E S S I N G A APERTURE, BALANCE, BELLOWS, BLOWUP, CAMERA, CLOSEUP, COLOR, CONTRAST, CROPPING, DARKROOM, DEVELOPER, ENLARGEMENT, ENLARGER, FILTER, FIXINGBATH, FLASH, FOCAL LENGTH, FRAME, HOT SHOE, LIGHTMETER, LIGHTING, NEGATIVE, OVEREXPOSURE, PANNING, PANORAMA, PARALLAX, PHOTOFINISHER, POSITIVE, PRINT, PROCESSING, RANGEFINDER, RETOUCHING, SAFELIGHT, SATURATION, SHUTTER, SLIDE, STOPBATH, TELEPHOTOLENS, TINT, TONE, TRIPOD, UNDEREXPOSURE, VIEWFINDER, ZOOM LENS 6 THE SCOTTISH RITE REPORTER MARCH/APRIL,

7 WHAT THE SCOTTISH RITE MEANS TO ME Submitted by Harold Kennedy, 32, K.C.C.H. Our society is currently fragmented. There are a variety of opinions regarding how we ought to solve our social and economic problems. It appears that people are dividing into various sides and allowing their personal feelings to become argumentative and divisive. I have nothing against differing opinions on political, religious or social issues. Debate is a great feature within American Culture. We believe in the right to express our own views regardless of how they may differ from that of a friend, family member or business associate. However it seems that personal opinions are beginning to become combative. Reasonable dialogue is turning into negative or even angry rhetoric. We are forgetting that we are one nation and one people. So what does all this have to do with the Scottish Rite? The Scottish Rite teaches us to freely express our beliefs. This includes areas of a religious, political and social nature. We agree to disagree. We respect the rights and beliefs of another individual even if we personally disagree with whatever they may believe. We practice a separation of church and state because all one has to do today is look at the world and see that a Theocracy is dangerous. It is dangerous to our civil liberties and to the rule of law. Similarly disregarding the principles of man s spiritual nature also deprives him of practicing his religious beliefs. The lessons learned within the Scottish Rite enable each and every one of us to become ambassadors of moderation, common sense and freedom of individual expression. This is why I believe the Scottish Rite is a vital organization for our society. Each of us can be an example of toleration for individual thought and religious and political practice. We have a chance to show others that we can practice what we believe in while also displaying respect and restraint when it is needed. This may become a very critical time in our culture in America. We Scottish Rite Masons have the ability to impact it in a highly positive way. FREEMASONRY TO ENJOY LIFE AND SERVE MANKIND Donations made are recorded at the time they are received, and depending on the amount, some are acknowledged by special letters to the donors. However, REPORTER deadlines mean that we may not get everyone listed. If you were missed this time, your name will appear in the next issue. We DO appreciate your donations. LANGUAGE CENTER DONATIONS IN MEMORY OF JOSEPH W. R. ASHWILL, 33 By Mr. & Mrs. Lester Miller ROBERT LUDWIG, 33 By Mr. & Mrs. Lester Miller LANGUAGE CENTER DONATIONS Neil Simmons LANGUAGE CENTER DONATIONS FROM DUES Harold Kennedy Billy D. Phillips Stuart Williamson Carl Judd, Sr. W. J. Taylor Walter Donavan Jack Parker William Beckham Wilton Roddy, Jr. James Garrett Ernest Loop Brice Martin Ronald Zapf Robert Kraft John McCargar Clifford Slosson Ricky Cristopherson Calvin Davis William Fyock Robert Lively Kenneth Pridy H. B. Carey Alvin Sorensen Ivan Claman Carl Stahlecker John Bauer Harold Sievers Robert Van Tress LANGUAGE CENTER DONATIONS FROM DUES (Cont.) Nicholas Grossman Raul De Diego William Sweet Joseph Casaletti III J. Gary Hall Harold Margolin Robert Munn Roger Freeman William Mac Gregor Rory Richardson Matthew Marfield David Coppock Dennis Davis Charles Hollingsworth Ben Ponder Eugene Jamin Jose Garcia John Trusdell, Jr. BUILDING FUND DONATIONS FROM DUES Boris Kamenster Stuart Williamson Robert Vanress Jack Parker Fred Smith William Sweet Joseph Casaletti Harold Margolin Louis McKay John McCargar Richard Petersen Jose Garcia Carl Stahlecker John Bauer Walter Donovan Dwain Raney (Continued on Page 16) 14 THE SCOTTISH RITE REPORTER MARCH/APRIL,

8 MARCH CALENDAR (Closed on Mondays) SATURDAY, MARCH 3rd DINNER CANCELED FRIDAY - SUNDAY, MARCH 8th & 10th LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE WORKSHOP IN SAN DIEGO TUESDAY, MARCH 13th 7:00 P.M. STATED & I.G.A.C. MEETING SATURDAY, MARCH 17th JOE ASHWILL S MEMORIAL SATURDAY, MARCH 24th 7:00 A.M. COFFEE 7:30 A.M. CLASSROOM 8:45 A.M. 13 9:45 A.M :00 A.M. 15 C 12:20 A.M :15 A.M. LUNCH 1:00 P.M. MASTER CRAFTSMAN CLASS In Memoriam APRIL CALENDAR (Closed on Mondays) THURSDAY, APRIL 5th 6:30 P.M. MAUNDY THURSDAY CEREMONY OF REMEMBRANCE AND RENEWAL 700 P.M. DINNER SATURDAY, APRIL 7th NO DINNER TUESDAY, APRIL 10th 7:00 P.M. STATED MEETING SATURDAY, APRIL GRAND PRIX WEEKEND NO DEGREES SATURDAY, APRIL 21st 7:00 A.M. COFFEE 7:30 A.M. CLASSROOM 8:45 A.M. 17 9:45 A.M :45 A.M :15 A.M :45 A.M. LUNCH 12:30 P.M. MASTER CRAFTSMAN CLASS MALCOM ANDRESEN RICHARD H. SPROUT HAROLD L. LAMUNYON ROBERT KAPLAN JOHN A. PALMER, 33 WAYNE THRUSH LEEROY WILLARD ROBERT LUDWIG, 33 ELDON E. PERKINS JOSEPH W. R. ASHWILL, 33 RAYMOND RADCLIFFE From the Desk of the Personal Representative: Due to the fact that Long Beach Scottish Rite Bodies is Catering all the meals for its functions the following is in Effect and mandatory! EVERY FUNCTION and/or EVENT WITH A MEAL WILL REQUIRE an RSVP. There will be NO EXCEPTIONS! Illz Joseph Ashwill, 33 Personal Representative for the Valley of Long Beach Library Corner By Matthew T. Marfield, 32, K.C.C.H., Librarian Completion? Having finished Tobias Churton s The Magus of Freemasonry, I can affirm that his essay on the life and times of Elias Ashmole was much more engaging in the context of Ashmole the Man, rather than Ashmole the Freemason, very little of the Fraternity was touched upon, excepting who from the Lodge would later be a player in his political and social circles. Nevertheless, the story of Ashmole the Royalist in Cromwell s times, as well as Ashmole the Hermeticist, the Rosicrucian Explorer, the Antiquarian, and the sometime Alchemist, among other Hats, will be found entertaining and compelling to the reader of histories, perhaps enough to inspire further study of this bold and busy man! This book is now in the Library, awaiting your curiosity! For a bibliophile, the completion of one book creates a vacuum that cannot be filled again; and so as the New Moon waxes from its shadowy shroud, so too will another window to yet another mans universe be offered for our contemplation, and this by: an indulgent friend with a favorable recommendation; a compelling and exciting review; or fruit fallen from a tree in some seemingly innocent and serendipitous fashion. What better place, and in what better company can this cycle continue, than from within the halls of your Scottish Rite Library! I know I ll see you there! 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. 8 THE SCOTTISH RITE REPORTER MARCH/APRIL,

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, Bodnar, Bart, Navarro, Benjamin E., Anderson, Ian, 32, K.C.C.H Over 20 Benton, Lowell E., 32, K.C.C.H...21 Over 15 Johnson, Lester Jr., Sargent, Terry, 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, Richard Schowengerdt, 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? KSA NEWS By Harold Kennedy, 32, K.C.C.H. On January 14th The Knights of St Andrews elected Jorge Cabradilla Chieftain for the ensuing 2012 year. The Long Beach Knights of St Andrews or KSA also received four applications for membership. The following Brothers were initiated into the Knights of Saint Andrews: David Alvarado, Lou McKay and Ricky Sullivan. Knight Sullivan is also the new Tyler for the Long Beach Scottish Rite. Congratulations to these new members. If any member of the Long Beach Scottish Rite is interested in joining the KSA please contact the office at or to get in touch with the Knights. P.R. Notes (Continued from Page 3) day Luncheon for Honor men, the Long Beach Shrine Club, the Signal Hill High Twelve Club, and the Long Beach Masonic Club. This year the Long Beach Scottish Rite will host a dinner instead of a luncheon the evening of Maundy Thursday, April 5, 2012, to begin at 6:30 p.m. with the Maundy Thursday Ceremony of Remembrance and Renewal. This may be an inconvenience for some who have attended in the past but it is an opportunity for many Brothers who can not meet for the luncheon due to work commitments to attend. Please remember, if you do not have a dinner reservation, you will not get dinner. $3.00 per pin The profit of $1.00 goes to the Clinic. 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. Long Beach Scottish Rite Language Center Give children the freedom to communicate. Support our center with a simple $3.00 donation and receive the pin shown on the left. If you want it mailed to you, please add $.50 per pin. Send your money to: Long Beach Scottish Rite, Clinic donation. You will be mailed your pin in 5 to 7 days. On behalf of the children, THANK YOU! 12 THE SCOTTISH RITE REPORTER MARCH/APRIL,

10 A Simple Act of Kindness Submitted by Bro. Keith Renner, 32 I am reminded of a story that was told to me when I was just starting out in my adult life, at my first job. The store that I was working in had a manger who was a true Mason at heart, the type of man who was born a Mason, but never walked through that lodge door. One spring I observed this person that appeared to be homeless enter the store, he asked to see the manager, whom I called to come to the front of the store. He stepped outside the door and had a brief conversation with this man. A few minutes later he came back into the store, went back to the meat department and fixed four sandwiches, wrapped them up, and on his way back to the front he picked up a carton of milk then gave all of this to the homeless man, who went over to the side of the building ate one of the sandwiches and drank the milk. Then he went on his way south. I did not think any more about it. In the Fall of the year this same homeless man returned and came in and asked to see the manager again. Same as before, once again I said nothing. The following a Spring here he came again. This time after his visit I approached the store manager and told him that it appears to me that this man is taking advantage of your kindness. The store manger looked at me and thanked me for my concerns and then perceived to invest in me some education about the human kindness that I misread. He told me this man had been coming by twice a year for many years, once in the early Spring, and then in late Fall. He traveled from his home in Indiana to a place in Bowling Green each year where he would work on a huge farm there from planting to harvest. Then he traveled back to his home in Indiana and along the way he had places just like our store in which he would do a few jobs to earn enough money for food to help him in his journey. I never see him do any work here, you always give him the food. He enlightened me even more, he said always remember that if a person comes to you asking to work for food, your better off giving them the food, that way you know they are truly in need. But more than anything else you never know when it s the Lord testing you. Because an honest man will offer to work for his supper, while others want you to pay for theirs. MASONRY Who are we? And why do we do the things we do? These are a few questions that many new members ask me when they come into the lodge. One of the first questions that is asked the most of me is How old is the Masonic Order? That s a hard question to actually answer, We are told that the formation of the Grand Lodge of England was in the early 1700 s, but we all know that the order is much older than that, just from the degree work and the writings in the Holy Bible tells us that it s an ancient order. The reason most claim its only as (Continued on Page 11) A Simple Act of Kindness (Continued from Page 10) old as the Grand Lodge of England, is because all lodges that have been chartered by the Grand Lodge of England can only be as old as it. Do you see what I mean? The age of the Masonic Order itself, no one knows. Its true birth, I have found in reference books that the degrees were written by the ancient Egyptian teacher named Hermon, or Hermes. He wrote the First 3 Degrees of Masonry, Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and the Master Mason. So in trying to date the birth of the order, is almost impossible, so that s why I tell everyone the order is as old as the first stone that was laid, on the first building that was every built. The next question that is normally asked is Who are the Masons and what do they do? Well let me lay a little foundation for you. We are what is referred to as Speculative Masons, our ancient brothers were called Operative Masons. These brothers were the ones who have been credited with building such fine edifices as King Solomon s Temple, and all the other buildings throughout history, including such sites as the Ancient Pyramids, and the Great Wall of China. You could say whereever a stone was placed, it was laid by a Stone Mason. That is what our ancient brothers did, they were the designers and builders of all such things. They were Stone Masons and builders and they did outstanding work. They were so great that many Kings across the world wanted them to come to their kingdoms and erect for them a great Temple, Church, Wall or something of equal importance. In order that they may do so they were given special permission to travel in foreign lands. In these travels many new brothers where brought into the craft, to replace those that grew too old to travel or work, or some who may have lost their lives in this endeavor. They would teach these new Entered Apprentices, how to do the work, and after they became proficient in this task they would become Fellowcrafts, or Journeymen, and then after becoming very proficient in this field they would become Master Masons. Too much unlike the lodges of Speculative Masons, many never became proficient in the 2 lesser degrees, and many lost their lives, and never attained that level of Master Mason. Now that I have laid a little foundation let me explain the reason we try to help Brothers in need, or their widows and orphans. During these travels and construction many a brother would lose his life and maybe some would lose a limb. So the Brotherhood would take this Brother s family in and provide for them until they were able to come back to work, but if by chance he never could return they would provide help as long as needed. Once the children, if any, especially a son, grew up, they would teach them how to provide for the family by letting them join the order. As you can see there were many Masonic building blocks for the speculative Masons, to building his Masonic Tenets on. I could go on and on like many do, but I will end it here and hope that we may all be enlightened. 10 THE SCOTTISH RITE REPORTER MARCH/APRIL,