REPORTER Vol. XXXVII Published Monthly May, 2010

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1 The Scottish Rite Reporter Prsrt Std U.S. POSTAGE PAID Published Monthly 855 Elm Avenue Permit No. 16 Los Alamitos, CA Long Beach, CA RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Special request: If you are a family member receiving this REPORTER for a member of the Long Beach Scottish Rite, please notify us if this member is in the hospital or incapacitated in any way, Thank you. THE SCOTTISH RITE REPORTER Vol. XXXVII Published Monthly May, 2010 Learn more about being a Mason, attend the Scottish Rite.

2 Illz Ronald A. Seale, 33, Sovereign Grand Commander Illz William F. Stovall, 33, Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the Supreme Coucil 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) Illz Joseph W. R. Ashwill, 33 Personal Representative of the Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the Supreme Council in California Illz James B. Scribner, 33, Assistant Personal Representative Illz Murray E. Cooke, 33, General Secretary 2010 Officers Charles H. Bruggeman, 32, K z C z C z H z, Venerable Master - L.B. Lodge of Perfection Stephen M. Murphy, 32, Wise Master - L.B. Chapter of Rose Croix Ill z Brett S. McDonald, 33, Commander - L.B. Council of Kadosh Rick H. Emmons, 32, Master of Kadosh - L.B. Consistory Serving All Bodies Illz Robert J. Moss, 33, Treasurer Douglas Tayrien, 32, Orator Ill z Thomas G. Horngren, 33, Almoner Fr. Chuck Maier, 33, Chaplain Ill z John R. Jansen, 33, Tiler Cathedral Staff Ill z Don Fishering, 33, Chief Purveyor Matthew Marfield, 32, K z C z C z H z, Librarian Ill z Aldo Zanier, 33, General Production Manager Gorge Cabradilla, 32, Sound Director Paul Burgos, 32, Sound Director Ira Sadis, 32, Lighting Director Chuck Schubert, 32, Stage Director Ill z Preston M. Jones, 33, Director of the Robing Room Degree Staff Ill z James Sunseri, 33, Classroom Director Ill z Ellsworth Chan, 33, Clasroom Staff Ill z Brett A. McDonald, 33, Director of the Work Support Organizations Chuck Schubert, 32, Chieftain, Knights of Saint Andrew Scottish Rite Reporter Ben Ponder, 32, K z C z C z H z, Managing Editor & Typesetter 2146 Mt. Shasta Dr., San Pedro, CA (310) bjtypesett@dslextreme.com Fax (310) Ill z Terry T. Sargent, 33, Proofreader 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 g LIC. # SINCE 1883 Stewart INSURANCE SERVICE INC. TOM E. STEWART Telephone (562) (714) FAX (562) tom@stewartins.com 2 THE SCOTTISH RITE REPORTER MAY,

3 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. 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 Broz Matt Marfield, 32, KzCzCzHz, at the L.B. Scottish Rite. KNIGHTS OF ST ANDREW MEETING, SATURDAY, JUNE 12th L.B. SCOTTISH RITE AT 10:00 A.M. Notes from the Personal Representative Illz Joseph W. R. Ashwill, 33 Personal Representative of the Sovereign Inspector General in CA It has been said that to everything there is a new beginning, which in the case of our own Remembrance and Renewal presentation, after a few years of absence was an outstanding performance by our Long Beach Chapter Knights Rose Croix. A very pleasant surprise was that, with the exception of one Knight Commander Court of Honor, the remaining 8 cast members were all 32 black hats. I am extremely pleased that our newer and younger members are accepting their role of being the leaders for the future of the Long Beach Scottish Rite. Those who missed this event should mark their calendars for next year as I am certain you will be impressed with your leaders of tomorrow, meeting today s responsibilities. Of course the month of May is our traditional month to honor our 50 year members. It is our hope that you will come join us in celebrating this important event with those who have achieved this milestone in their Scottish Rite journey. I am happy to report as well, that we have added another brother to the list of graduates having completed the Master Craftsman Program 1; Illz Brett MacDonald, 33, who has been presented with his Certificate and Lapel Pin in honor of this accomplishment. The Brethren who have successfully completed the number 1 program, are now qualified to continue their Scottish Rite Education by enrolling in the number 2 level now being offered by Supreme Council. Remember my brothers that new members are the key to our future, and with that thought in mind, our June Reunion Class is around the corner and it is important that your Petitions be submitted on or before May 7th in order to meet the requirement of two readings of their applications. How about this for a challenge; any member who presents 5 Petitions between now and May 7, will receive a year of paid dues for An opportunity you don t want to miss for your personal benefit as well as your Valley. FREEMASONRY TO ENJOY LIFE AND SERVE MANKIND 18 THE SCOTTISH RITE REPORTER MAY,

4 Southern California Research Lodge F. & A. M. Submitted by Harold Kennedy, 32, Junior Warden, Chapter Rose Croix 1 March 2010 Time to brag a little! SCRL started the Entered Apprentice Book Program somewhere around It has been a success from the git-go. The program was started by Ralph Herbold, and after the first 6 months of 2008, SCRL had given a total of 16,552 copies of The Craft and Its Symbols to new Entered Apprentices. Old timers will recall Ralph s death in February mention this because the numbers get a bit. fuzzy between May 08 and February 09. After Ralph s passing we have given away 985 books. This means that SCRL has given books to 17,537 EAs from the mid 1980s through February Put another way about 80 books a month. Believe it or not we wish more of our members would use this program It is a wonderful tool to get the new Mason started on a path of Masonic Knowledge. Put another way, where else can a new Mason get accurate information about the fraternity? It only takes an. to the secretary to provide a name, address, initiation date and a lodge name and number. Even a telephone call will work, and best of all it is free. Now comes the hard part. There are a handful of Masons, older ones for the most part, that refuse to give the book to anyone who has not been raised to the sublime degree. They reason that the book gives too much information to the new member before he receives his degrees. It is my view that to defer giving the book is to deprive the new Mason education he sorely needs and wants. These same folks, mostly Past Masters, have forgotten their charge, the words of the first degree lecture, their duties recited at the opening of the Lodge and probably a few other references. It is the duty of the Master of a Lodge to instruct the Brethren in Masonry. The sad part of all this is that few Lodges do much to provide information to, their candidates. The candidate usually gets his Masonic information, such as it is from his coach. This is not necessarily bad, but in the day of shortened proficiency, how much Masonry is imparted? Is not a knowledgeable person more likely to be a better Mason? Isn t it true that our purpose is to promote individual growth? How better to do this than to instruct our Brethren. Norm Leeper, Editor * To learn To subdue my passions To improve myself in Masonry * DESTINATIONS Submitted by DR Rawson, 32, KzCzCzHz Find and circle all of the words that are hidden in the grid. N G R A N D C A N Y O N M C H M T E X Y D B W O A Y L M F X Y Y M S U S E H P E Z D K K R T V R R C S V P A V V Y A Y V Z V L M T R H N E H G A J V I R G X L L N K C D M I R A M E N V V N G J V Z L T I K A L R K N H T R N T U V T V I K R N R L A P C Q T M I G X E U G N F F A N L R J E A R R E Y H R V X N N G P K P F N M S M Z E Z A M F L R R L K A W N N G O Y I I T R E X Z Z M T I T B O A T L P T E L R W Z R C C B M P H T H B L H K B M K M A R N W B I A T D B C T D G G X A I E P A I T T E W A A G D A T W K T H G Q N W R K L A R D J S T T T A M J J H E H Q T U N A T R T O R O S Y B N R L A M R P K L R N M R R Y R I N U T R O K N K L V A E D N A L S I R E T S A E U V H U F P Y E L H P N R N R E X P V V N F R R O R E A G K R C A K K E J G F P C W L T Z Y M R M E N W I Y N L N T D K T Q E D K I L L P M K E T K O D Z T G A D I C N G R L H T L N L T H B E T J N H A L G W I N N N L L A R T G L E F B R F J Z N M G A M E G Q T V W R N C N V T M V K L G N C G M P C P Q K P Z C R B N K P F T B W R J L W L C Q Z M I G U A Z U F A L L S X G W V T L P Y T X Y O O T O Y K F O N E D R A G N E Z L Z W J X D P B W T S E R O F N I A R N O Z A M A L N N AMAZONRAINFOREST, ANGKORWAT, ANTARCTICA, AURORABOREALIS, EASTERISLAND, EPHESUS, FALLINGWATER, GRANDCANYON, GREATBARRIERREEF, IGUAZUFALLS, MACHUPICCHU, MESAVERDE, MOUNTKILIMANJARO, PAGAN, PARTHENON, PETRA, POMPEII, PYRAMIDSOFGIZA, SERENGETI, TAJMAHAL, THEGREATWALL, THELOUVRE, TIKAL, UFFIZIGALLERY, VENICE, YANGTZERIVER 4 THE SCOTTISH RITE REPORTER MAY,

5 22nd DEGREE CAST Life Membership Program Long Beach Scottish Rite Under age 49, 21 times annual dues... $1, to 54 inclusive, 19 times annual dues... $1, to 59 inclusive, 17 times annual dues... $1, to 64 inclusive, 14 times annual dues... $1, and over, 11 times annual dues... $1, The advantage of a life membership is that the funds will be contributing to our Scottish Rite in perpetuity and you ll no longer be paying dues. $3.00 per pin The profit of $1.00 goes to the Clinic. Please join us Friday, May 7th for or Ladies Night 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 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! CITY ZIP PHONE ( ) Event Date $15.00 Each Total $ From left to right: Mike Day, 32, John Hix, 32, Jim Locey, 32, Dan Ewers, 32, KzCzCzHz, Wayne Caverly, 32, Ian Anderson, 32, KzCzCzHz, Stewart Williamson, 32. CELL PHONES FOR SOLDIERS Cell phone recycling program by mailing your old cell phone to: CELL PHONE RECYCLING CENTER 2555 Bishop Cir W Dexter, MI DONATIONS HELP OUR SOLDIERS CALL HOME. See Web site for information and a free mailing envelope that doesn t require postage. Or if it s easier for you to bring them into the Long Beach Scottish Rite office, we will see they are sent. 16 THE SCOTTISH RITE REPORTER MAY,

6 Library Corner By Matthew T. Marfield, 32, KzCzCzHz, Librarian Tough Times This has been a rough year. The Politics. The Economy. The School and Library Cuts. It doesn t really matter if you re making it, or not: it doesn t matter if you ve got a great retirement plan and you re living the life, if you re just making ends meet, or if you re still working Or, not! It can be really depressing just knowing that you have to watch your pennies so closely. One of the best moves that I can make when I get into a low state of mind is to get out of my apartment! Get out with a book, and spend a few hours at the coffee shop; it really helps to clear my head, and mingle with the regulars. When I can, I also feel a lot better going to Lodge, the Scottish Rite, et al, so that I can reconnect with my Fellows, and get my head out of my worries. Even when I can make it, just knowing that it s there, or that some of the guys are a phone call away, makes a big difference. I hope that each one of you is taking care, and staying in touch. Home can be a great place of comfort; but, it can also be a real trap. That s when you really need to get out, to see those familiar faces and places; to visit family and friends; to go to Lodge, or the Scottish Rite, or Chapter, which ever really grabs you. Freemasonry is a Great Sanctuary in many respects, including this one; it s a place and a state of mind that we can reconnect to, and belong, especially when we feel so far away. I feel that way about the Scottish Rite Library: it s an excellent place to meditate, cogitate, and deliberate I Quietly) on all issues; to get lost in a book; or, to engage the Brothers in conversation and get some work done! I look forward to seeing you all again, soon Perhaps, at your Scottish Rite Library! Book Donations I am again delighted to write that we ve received more Masonic Book donations! Bro s Charles B. Cowden, and Robert M. Robertson have left for us Library books that they wish to benefit the membership; I assured them that their thoughtful donations will do just that! I know that there are more of you who ve slipped books in anonymously, and that s fine; the Library is thankful for the donations! We are doing much better in our ability to purchase books, and I m always happy to see our Duplicate Book Sales successful; this helps us meet that end, allowing us to add the latest Masonic authors to our earlier titles. This generosity is what makes this happen, and truly is an investment in the future of not only the Scottish Rite Library, but also in the future of those Masons to come. You know where I ll be, so I ll see you there! Hopeful Signs Submitted by Chuck Bruggeman, 32, KzCzCzHz There are many hopeful signs which would indicate an upward sweep in an important and essential part of Masonry. What we have reference to is of far greater importance than numeral gains. It has to do with increased interest in Masonic Education. More Masons are eager to learn about the history, the philosophy and the teachings of Freemasonry. There is also an increased interest in Masonic literature. Many Brothers are seeking the deeper meaning of Masonry by reading the thoughts of those who have devoted years of study and research to Masonry. There is reason to be hopeful. There is also the fact that there is much more to be done. There must not be a transitory surge of interest which occupies our attention for only a moment. It must be a continuing, enduring and increasing force. Masonry is a teaching institution. It always has been and its strength is in the well informed Mason. The Lodge which uses every available opportunity to teach Masonry will reap the fruits of its efforts now and in the years to come. (The Toledo Masonic Bulletin) TRACING BOARDS (Continued from Page 10) Temple. This story dates back to early apocryphal writings and over the centuries there were many variants. Josephus ascribes them to Seth and another version says Enoch. It is not known when the pillars moved from the operative version to the present one relating to Solomon s Temple but it was before 1696 when the Edinburgh Register House Mss. tells us that the first lodge was holden in the porch of King Solomon s Temple. By about 1730 drawings of the lodge, like the continental lodges, had the two pillars on the floorcloth or drawing, whichever the lodge used. In the second half of the 18th century some lodges had pillars which the Wardens held in their hands and from that some lodges developed free standing columns in the West so that, as on the continent, the candidate passed between them. Curiously, the first degree Tracing Board does not include Solomon s pillars, it shows only the three pillars, Wisdom, Strength and Beauty. The Tempe pillars appear only on the second degree Tracing Board. This may reflect the fact that the second degree is an invention of the early 1700s and originally the Entered Apprentice received both pillar words and the second degree repeated them. Which bits of the ceremony ended up in which degree was probable a matter of chance. [United Masters Lodge No. 167, New Zeland] 6 THE SCOTTISH RITE REPORTER MAY,

7 The Ultimate Display of Citizenship By Roy Ellis Steinfeld, 32, KzCzCzHz Memorial Day is set aside not just to give us another three-day holiday, but to salute and honor all the men and women who served their nation in the armed forces. Many died and even more came home badly damaged. Only a tiny proportion experienced the honor of being recognized as heroes. Too often we think of the term citizen only in terms of rights. Yet those we thank as veterans today lived their citizenship in terms of responsibilities. As we know, some paid the ultimate price so that we could enjoy our freedom and way of life. In our age of entitlement, President John Kennedy s invocation that we ask not what our country can do for us but what we can do for our country may seem foolish. It is those who fritter away their lives in nothing more than shallow self-indulgence who are the fools. In 1995, an Air Force pilot named Scott O`Grady was shot down during a flight over Bosnia. He was rescued by helicopter after surviving six days of being hunted by hostile ground troops. He returned home to a hero s welcome, but he denied being a hero. Looking back on what drove him to serve his country with honor and valor, he said, It isn t the reward that matters or the recognition you might harvest. It is your depth of commitment, your quality of service, the product of your devotion. These are the things that count in life. When you give purely, the honor comes in the giving and that is honor enough. As we celebrate Memorial Day this year, remember that thousands of Americans sons, daughters, parents, husbands and wives are risking their lives daily on our behalf. Take a special moment to express gratitude for their service and to say a prayer for their safe return, and remember those brave individuals who gave their life for their country and for us. WANTED By Illz Joseph W. R. Ashwill, 33 Consider this a reminder that your Valley has many opportunities open in a variety of positions for those members who are desirous of rising to leadership positions now as well as in the future. In preparation for the presentation of our degrees we need volunteers for our Wardrobe Department, as I have been advised by our current Director, Illz Preston Jones, 33, that after serving 25 years in his current capacity, he is going to retire. Therefore, since this is where our performances begin and end, it is necessary for any newcomer to learn what and where all of the accessories and costumes are located, which is no small task, together with understanding how necessary it is to treat them with care as it would be very costly to replace many of them. So, if you want to be involved, but not on stage, and make an important contribution to your Valley, we welcome you to this very important department. You can offer your assistance to Brother Preston and I am sure he would be delighted to train you in your new position. We also would appreciate having some added assistance in our Purveyor Staff, and particularly anyone who likes to cook. If you look at our present staff, and by their own admission, they need some younger brothers to join their ranks as many of them have been contributing their efforts for over 20 years too. Those of you who are cooks would be particularly helpful inasmuch as all of our dinners, lunches etc. are catered, and is very expensive whereby it is a non-profit entity. Again, you can approach Illz Don Fishering, 33, Head Purveyor, as I am sure he too would welcome your contribution as well. Our General Production Manager is also in need of staff for his Lighting, Stage and Sound departments to add some depth to his current limited staff, for the more contributors, allows for a rotation of personnel so that they do not have to dedicate every month to their service. I am positive that Illz Aldo Zanier, 33 would be delighted to add you to his very important Staff; all you have to do is make the offer. Needless to say your Valley needs each and everyone s support now, as we move forward into the future, and it is our new, younger beneficiaries of the Valley that need to be prepared for that eventual segue into leadership positions opened by the Great Architect of the Universe. FREEMASONRY TO ENJOY LIFE AND SERVE MANKIND 14 THE SCOTTISH RITE REPORTER MAY,

8 MAY CALENDAR (Closed on Mondays) FRIDAY, MAY 7th 6:00 P.M. STATED MEETING PLEASE BRING IN YOUR PETITIONS IT S YOUR LAST CHANCE TO GET THEM IN BEFORE THE REUNION CLASS 6:30 P.M. LADIES NIGHT DINNER MENU: TERIYAKI CHICKEN CATERED BY ARNOLD S 50 YEAR MEMBERS CELEBRATION 7:30 P.M. ENTERTAINMENT TOM BURRNETT WEDNESDAY, MAY 12th THRU MAY 15th, th ANNUAL SOUTH WESTERN REGIONAL REUNION CLASS TO BE HELD IN PHOENIX JUNE CALENDAR (Closed on Mondays) FRIDAY, JUNE 4th 6:30 P.M. LADIES NIGHT DINNER MENU: BRAISED SHORT RIBS CATERED BY ARNOLD S 7:30 P.M. ENTERTAINMENT TO BE DETERMINED TUESDAY, JUNE 8th 7:00P.M. STATED & IzGzAzCz MEETING FRIDAY & SATURDAY, JUNE 11th & 12th REUNION CLASS 6:00 P.M. REGISTRATION 6:30 A.M. CLASSROOM 7:30 P.M. 4 8:15 P.M. 14 SATURDAY, JUNE 12th REUNION CLASS CONT. 7:00 A.M. COFFEE 7:30 A.M. CLASSROOM 8:30 A.M. 18 9:30 A.M :30 A.M :30 A.M. LUNCH SATURDAY, JUNE 12th 10:00 A.M. KNIGHTS OF ST ANDREW MEETING Grief at the Passing of even the Smallest Bird Submitted by Rob Reynolds It has been said by a Learned Poet, while reflecting upon the nature of men for self pity, he had seen that even the Smallest Bird, would not feel sorry for itself, when falling to its Death from the sky, but as for I, I would feel the deepest sorrow and saddest grief, had I observed the least noble and smallest, tiny yet beautiful, little Bird, fall to Earth in such a manner, and remember the loss of it, with both Pity and profound Sorrow, for the rest of my life. The Best is Yet to Come By Roy Ellis Steinfeld, 32, KzCzCzHz During the tenure of Grand Master Mel Nahin, one of his favorite expressions was Keep your Fork, the Best is Yet to Come. According to a welltraveled story, when Tillie died in her nineties, her friends were taken aback when they viewed the body and noticed a fork in her right hand. Tillie knew this would provoke questions so she instructed her pastor to give anyone who asked about the fork a copy of a signed note that read: I m glad you asked about the fork. I ve been to lots of church socials and potluck dinners in my life, and one thing I ve noticed is when the dishes and flatware for the main course are being cleared, someone usually says, Keep your fork. I loved that part because I knew dessert, the best part of dinner, was (Continued on Page 13) A Person s Character is Revealed in Conduct, Not Rhetoric By Roy Ellis Steinfeld, 32, KzCzCzHz It s hard to look at the world and some of the people who seem to get ahead without occasionally asking ourselves why we should be ethical. However normal it is to think like this, the question should be off limits to people who profess strong moral, ethical and spiritual codes of conduct. After all, what religion does not mandate morality? To authentically moral and ethical individuals, the motivation toward virtue is grounded in the acceptance of a nonnegotiable duty to be a good person in the eyes of God and his fellow man. It is not in anticipation of personal benefits, dishonest, irresponsible or unfair conduct is simply wrong. Though there are skeptics who are suspicious of the rhetoric of Scottish Rite Masons and moral advocates, there is a positive correlation between moral and ethical codes of conduct, conviction and virtue. I think the vast majority of deeply moral and ethical people draw guidance and strength from their beliefs and live better if not perfect lives. Still, moralistic and ethical claims and even sincere convictions are no guarantee of genuine belief in these teachings. We can t take for granted the link between moralistic and ethical claims and worthy conduct. It s not that these principals fail people; it s that people fail to follow the Square of Virtue. In the end, as Scottish Rite Masons we believe in a moral and ethical set of standards, regardless of their source. These morals and ethics are revealed in ethical and upright conduct, not rhetoric. The Best is Yet to Come (Continued from Page 8) coming. So even as I pass from this life, I wanted a fork in my hand to remind me the best is yet to come. Lately we have had a great many Brethren moving on to that Celestial Lodge above, and since all Scottish Rite Masons believe in a hereafter, hopefully we feel the Best is Yet to Come. When a pessimist is told there s light at the end of the tunnel, he s likely to assume it s an onrushing train. According to journalist Sydney Harris, A cynic is not merely one who reads bitter lessons from the past; he s prematurely disappointed in the future. Pessimism and cynicism are fashionable these days, but it s the people who see and celebrate the positive aspects of life who live best. British wit Samuel Johnson called Hope a species of happiness. To the extent we can discipline ourselves as Scottish Rite Masons to choose our attitudes, toward Life, our families, our Brethren and our friends, it only makes sense to think positively and be hopeful. 8 THE SCOTTISH RITE REPORTER MAY,

9 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 Long Beach Pyramid #3 LANGUAGE CENTER DONATIONS WITH DUES Thomas E. Blackman Joseph Caporicci Olindo Verrico Ronald Campbell William Kjontvedt Matthew Williamson JEROME B. OSNOWER BOB NEAL HOFFMASER HERMAN L. KELLUM LESLIE L. CALHOUN SIDNEY VINES In Memoriam BUILDING FUND DONATIONS WITH DUES Sarkis Boyadjian Lawrence Miller William Kjontvedt ALMONERS DONATIONS WITH DUES William Kjontvedt DALE E. NELDNER LOGAN L. SUTTLES RAYMOND W. WENGERT EDWARD R. MARECEK EUGENE B. FRATER 10 CLUB MEMBERS Over 140 Main, Lewis Jr., Over 50 Hernandez, Gani, 32, KzCzCzHz...52 Over 25 Chastain, James A. Sr., Lemons, H. Douglas, Navarro, Benjamin E., Anderson, Ian, 32, KzCzCzHz Bodnar, Bart, Pontello, Frank, Manoukian, Vartan, Thompson, Charles, Jr., Sunseri, James, Over 10 Nomicos, Eugene N., Johnson, Lester Jr., Benton, Lowell E., 32, KzCzCzHz 21 Lopez, John C., 32, KzCzCzHz Benezette, Ben, 32, KzCzCzHz Lord, John, Boyadjian, Sarkis, Ludwig, Bob, Corcoba, Axureliano, Luben, Dougan, Dukellis, Arthur F., Palmer, John A., Garcia, Danny, John Reynolds, Sargent, Terry, Van De Weghe, Bill, Thagard, Raymond, Wallace, John, Hull, Donald, Wilde, George, Roberts, Edward, 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 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? 12 THE SCOTTISH RITE REPORTER MAY,

10 Southern California Research Lodge F. & A. M. Submitted by Harold Kennedy, 32, Junior Warden, Chapter Rose Croix TRACING BOARDS Today a Tracing Board is just another object on the floor of the lodge. Many Masons will never hear a full explanation of it. However, this was not always the case. When Freemasonry as we know it today was developing in the late 1600s and early 1700s the Tracing Board or lodge board was a vital component of each meeting. Someone, usually the Tyler, was employed to draw the lodge. The drawing was a simple oblong on the floor which they defined as an oblong square. It might have a triangular extension in the east where the Master sat with the Volume open in front of him. He may have had a copy of the Old Charges as well. In Scotland they sometimes dispensed with the Volume of the Sacred Law, using only the Old Charges. Within the oblong square would be depicted various items appropriate to the ceremony. The brethren stood around the drawing, which was the lodge. They felt that the drawing constituted inviolable walls defending them from the evils, trials, dangers and temptations of the outside world and binding them in the mystic tie, a bond of friendship which they took very seriously. In relegating the lodge board to an item on the floor of the lodge room we have lost something of the mystery which formed so large a part of early Freemasonry. Technically, the Tracing Board is still the lodge, but we do not view it in the same way as our forebears did. Many Masons today do not view the lodge as a sacred enclosure defending us from the world, nor do they feel so strongly the mystic tie. Possibly if we could recapture some of that mystery and strength of feeling we would not lose so many of our candidates so soon after their initiation. Continental lodges still use a floorcloth, which is the lodge, they stand around it during the ceremony and, I think, still retain some of the sense of mystery, of sacredness and inviolability. The drawing shows steps in the West between the pillars and the candidate takes his first degree obligation on the first step and is passed to the second degree after taking his obligation on the second step. It is only when he becomes a Master Mason that he is admitted within the lodge, a privilege which he will have earned by some years of attendance and hard work. The pillars are a very interesting study in themselves. Our operative forebears, as I have mentioned before, had an entirely different legend. They spoke of pillars built by the children of Lamech to preserve the secrets of Masonry from fire or flood, having been warned in a dream that God intended to destroy the world with one or other. There is a long history of the recovery and transmission of the secrets after the flood but no mention of Solomon s (Continued on Page 15) 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) GARDEN GROVE #505: 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 MAY,