Fall 2011 Reunion Schedule - November 4th & 5th Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts

Transcription

1 Volume LXXXIV:2 October, 2011 Cathedral News VALLEY OF BLOOMINGTON AASR, 32 MASONS Fall 2011 Reunion Schedule - November 4th & 5th Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts Friday, November 4, :30 4th Degree (Master Traveler) 7:00 14th Degree (Grand Elect Mason) 8:10 15th Degree (Knight of the East) Saturday, November 5, 2011 See Page 7 for Reunion Meals, Menu and Reservation Form 8:30 18th Degree (Knight of the Rose Croix) 9:45 19th Degree (Brothers of the Trail) 10:45 25th Degree (Master of Achievement) 11:45 Lunch 1:00 26th Degree (Friend and Brother Eternal) 2:00 28th Degree (Knight of the Sun) 3:00 31st Degree (Knight Aspirant) 4:00 32nd Degree (Sublime Prince of Royal Secret) 5:00 Social Hour - Cash Bar 6:00 Banquet Inside this Issue Commander-in-Chief 2 Supreme Council 3 Scholarship Winners 4 AASR Scholarship Reception 5 Valley Newsbriefs; Upcoming Events, Deaths 6 Banquet Meal Reservations; Chapter & DDD Dinners 7 Photos of Midwest Food Bank 8 1

2 In our quest to highlight and crystallize why Scottish Rite Masonry continues to be important and relevant to men today, can we talk about something sensitive? Let s call it Modern Role Confusion. One commentator sees media playing a key role in this social transformation, noting: television has lifted many of the veils of secrecy between children and adults, men and women, and politicians and average citizens. The result is a series of revolutionary changes, including the blurring of age, gender, and authority distinctions. Whether fueled by television or not, certainly we have all witnessed the role of men in US society change rapidly over the last several decades. The blurring of roles across gender lines during this period is unprecedented in history. Many of these changes are certainly welcomed ones, long overdue, and address how men and women alike can value one another as full human beings and share in all of life s opportunities. But the speed of change has also left scars and growing pains. Because many roles that were historically unique to men are now shared, men can feel devalued and confused. Many men even feel isolated and lonely despite doing all the right things by societal standards working hard at being a good provider, being a good family man, a good citizen, a faithful church attender, etc. There remains an emptiness. Men all have common life experiences that need to be shared with other men, and for which we need a sense being understood to know that other men have had similar experiences, that they care, and once heard out we can be affirmed as being acceptable. We need a place among men to belong. In times past, there were rights of passage into manhood, where a boy was accepted into the community of men. These rights of passage have changed and diminished over time as gender roles have blurred, and now few remain. Today, males who grow up in the US get in a lot of TV and gaming, date a little, and learn to drive; but, they have little mentoring from the community of men about what it really means to be a man and what is expected of a man. Their image is largely framed by TV sitcoms, movies, and pornography wherein men who are honest, fair-dealing, faithful, moral, intelligent, industrious, supportive, and responsible are depicted as chumps; and those who are selfish, cynical, disparaging, quick with put downs, and who lie, cheat, steal, and abuse women appear to win. Will the male anti-hero become the clarifying image for the next generation man that substitutes this distorted vision to help him resolve his blurred or missing role? In all this change something has been tragically lost. Simply put, in today s society, men no longer have a real sense of belonging and acceptance from other men, and many no longer have sufficient mentoring from responsible male role models to help them find clarity and meaning in their life s roles. Consider that carefully for a moment. Aren t these connected? Is there a mission statement in there? What does Masonry, specifically Scottish Rite Masonry, have to offer here? Do we not make good men better? Do we not hold up true manhood as filling the role of being a servant-leader in his home, in his career, in his house of worship, among his peers/friends, in his community, and in his world? Are we not a place where a man can come and be valued simply for who he is? Where men can communicate, even if by a grunt or nod of understanding, that it is good and ok to be a man and to value and celebrate this? Do we not listen to one another, affirm one another, build self-esteem, and support one another in all our laudable undertakings? Scottish Rite supports and clarifies the role and worth of a man as one who can be strong, yet be loving and forgiving. A big burly man who can perhaps bench press 300lbs, yet can unashamedly hold hands with others and humbly pray. A man who can be a good husband, father, and a strong influence for good in his home. A man who can model a good work ethic, good citizenship and speak out for freedom, liberty, and human dignity in a day when cynicism reigns and our society is dying of thirst for men of integrity, and for honest and selfless leadership. The world needs Scottish Rite Freemasonry. Many young men need a useful and affirming modern right of passage into manhood, complete with principled mentors and a continuing male support system. Marriages and families need men whose self esteem and clarity of role is strengthened by Scottish Rite. Your sons, grandsons, and friends need this. Our communities need this. Our society needs this. Civilization needs this. Yes, Scottish Rite Freemasonry is relevant and is needed today more than ever. Invite someone to join with us today! Fraternally, Robert T. Trefzger, 33 Commander-in-Chief 2 LXXXIV:2

3 Valley of Bloomington Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Scottish Rite Office (309) Commander-in-Chief Robert T. Trefzger, 33 Thrice Potent Master Jeffery J. Fox Sovereign Prince Larry E. Raglan Most Wise Master Daniel S. Yandel Executive Secretary Barry D. Weer, 33 Treasurer Robert D. Erwin Board of Trustees Roger F. Aukerman, MSA, 33 John D. Dorner Patrick E. Schlehuber Michael W. Hiter Thomas W. Grogg Russell A. McCulley Jerald H. Starks Barry G. Carney Danny J. Leifel, 33 1st Lt. Commander 2nd Lt. Commander Deputy Master High Priest Sr. Warden Trustee Trustee Trustee Trustee Ken Pfeifer and Ben North Receive 33 in Chicago Dorner Next Honoree Bernard M. North and Kenneth R. Pfeifer were each coroneted a Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, 33, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, in full ceremonial form on August 30, 2011 in Chicago at the 199th Annual Meeting of the Supreme Council, NMJ. Witnessing the coronations were several delegates from the Valley of Bloomington, including Illustrious Brothers: Roger Aukerman, Stan Boyd, Bill Burden, Greg Clark, Hal Gullett, Dan Leifel, George Perkins, Ken Smith, Bob Trefzger, Barry Weer, and Dave Young. Both Ken and Ben have been very active Masons, and have done much for Masonry and to reflect credit on the Order. Ken has been a District Deputy Grand Master, and both Ken and Ben have both served as Worshipful Master of their Lodge as well as Sovereign Prince of the Zerubbabel Council Princes of Jerusalem in the Scottish Rite Valley of Bloomington. Ken and his lady Kaye, and Ben and his lady Pat were honored at the Bloomington Dinner held on August 28 at the Chicago Union League Club. Joining in the festivities that evening was Norm Madison, 33, along with the other Valley delegates and their ladies. At the conclusion of the Supreme Council meetings, the new thirtythirds and their ladies were presented at the Illinois Dinner, where everyone was excited and pleased to hear the name of our dear friend and brother, John D. Dorner, announced as the next recipient of the 33 from the Valley of Bloomington. Brother Dorner will receive the degree at the 200th Annual Meeting of the Supreme Council in Cleveland, Ohio on August 28, During the Supreme Council Sessions, Sovereign Grand Commander, John Wm. McNaughton, 33 named Active Benny L. Grisham, 33 to be the Deputy for Illinois, succeeding Lee B. Lockwood, 33 who is taking Active Emeritus status. Other announcements for Illinois included the appointment of Illinois Active James L. Tungate, 33 to the office of Grand Secretary General for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. The current Most Worshipful Grand Master of the State of Illinois, Richard L. Swaney, was named as a new Active Member of the AASR Supreme Council representing the State of Illinois. Audit Membership Finance History Insurance Legal Permanent Fund Planning Properties SRRA Charity Community Concerns Scholarships Webmaster Learning Center Newsletter Committees Winford L. McElroy, 33 John D. Dorner Robert D. Erwin John D. Dorner Joseph M. Jackson Russell E. DePew Robert T. Trefzger, 33 Andrew S. Bender C. Walden Crouch, 33 Barry G. Carney Gregory L. Clark, 33 Gregory L. Clark, 33 Roger F. Aukerman, MSA, 33 John D. Dorner Janet Blue Dale F. Arbour Pat & Ben North Kaye and Ken Pfeifer Ben North, Roger Aukerman & Ken Pfeifer Cathedral News 3

4 Masonic Scholarships awarded through the Scottish Rite Valley of Bloomington Scholarship Categories # of recipients amount each Illinois Scottish Rite Health Career Fields Scholarship, 45 $1,000 Leon M. Abbott Scholarship 2 $1,878 Grand Lodge of Illinois, A.F. & A.M. Scholarship 2 $1,000 Robert B. Perkins Scholarship 1 $1,000 Sherwood & Evelyn Kresin Scholarship 1 $1,000 Louis L. Williams Scholarship 2 $2,000 The American Passion Play Scholarship 4 $1,000 Illinois Scottish Rite Health Career Fields Kristyn Barrett, Monticello, Northern Illinois University Reanne Beck, Mt. Zion, Richland Community College Samantha Brown, El Paso, Oklahoma Baptist University Olivia Combs, Bloomington, Butler University Chelsey Coombs, Heyworth, U of I Champaign Taelor Coughlin, Mazon, Bradley University Bradley Dedic, Downs, University of Iowa Rolchia Doumbia, Bloomington, OSF College of Nursing Brittney DuBois, Elliott, University of Kansas Abby Edelman, Strawn, Heartland Courtney Edelman, Fairbury, Parkland Molly Gabaldo, Bloomington, Saint Ambrose University Marnie Gebhardt, Heyworth, Illinois Wesleyan Addison Gerdes, Normal, Eastern Illinois University Emily Gray, Danvers, Heartland Kelsey Grodsky, Bloomington, Heartland Betsey Heiser, McLean, Illinois Central College Ashley Hillertz, Bourbonnais, Millikin Elise Howe, Farmer City, Illinois Wesleyan University Mary Irwin, Bloomington, Heartland Kelly Kahle, Chenoa, Northwestern Alyssa Kroeschen, Toluca, Northern Illinois Jenae Lavallier, Gridley, Heartland Harini Madheswaran, Bloomington, SIU Edwardsville Sarah Maurer, Saybrook, Heartland Hannah McFarland, El Paso, Bradley University Kaley Necessary, Bloomington, Taylor University Truc-Quynh Nguyen, Normal, Bradley University Aryn Piercy, El Paso, Saint Ambrose University Amanda Poppen, Gridley, Bradley Jolett Rod, Arlington, Loyola Univ Chicago Morgan Schaub, LeRoy, Northern Illinois University Kelsi Schluter, Monticello, University of Evansville Andrew Schoepke, Varna, Eureka College Devon Severson, Clinton, So. IL Univ at Carbondale Emily Seymour, Plainfield, Illinois State University Rebecca Silver, Lexington, Clarke College 4 Kristin Slagel, Fairbury, Parkland Kenna Smicker, Urbana, Parkland Amanda Starkey, Bloomington, North Central College Alice Starks, Bloomington, Heartland Mackenzie Steffen, Gridley, SIU Carbondale Lisa Strack, Normal, Illinois Wesleyan Emily Thomas, Bloomington, Saint Louis University Caroline Turner, Cisco, Millikin Nicole Wenger, Fairbury, Undecided Leon M. Abbott Scholarship Alexander Schlehuber, Normal, Northwestern Megan Houchin, Mazon, Illinois Wesleyan University Grand Lodge of Illinois, A.F. & A.M. Scholarship Carson Cross, Fairbury, Northern Illinois University Travis Smith, Wilmington, U of I Champaign Robert B. Perkins Scholarship Nicholas Meyer, Bloomington, Illinois State University Sherwood & Evelyn Kresin Scholarship Molly Briggs, Normal, Illinois State University Louis L. Williams Scholarship Drew Keller, El Paso, Illinois Wesleyan University Zachary Meyer, Bloomington, Illinois Wesleyan University The American Passion Play Scholarship Jeremy Grogg, Normal, Western Illinois University Caleb Cannon, Bloomington, Illinois College Chance Smiley, Bloomington, Heartland Shane McGann, Bloomington, Wheaton LXXXIV:2

5 2011 ASSR Scholarship Reception by Roger Aukerman, MSA, 33 The Valley of Bloomington has a lot to be proud of. The 2011 Scholarship Reception was well attended. Of the 72 in attendance, 18 were brother Masons. I may sound like a broken record by repeating this each year, but our members giving up a Sunday afternoon to make our scholar recipients and families feel welcome is at the core of making this a successful event. Our valley s office administers the local scholarships for the Grand Lodge of Illinois, the Scottish Rite, and the American Passion Play. The combined total this year is 58 recipients. Our second speaker was Dr. Vickie Folse. She is the director of IWU s School of Nursing. Her students have shared with me that she is very much a hands on person, taking time to ensure their success. In addition to her responsibilities at Wesleyan, she provides clinical supervision to clinicians in the Eating Disorder and Behavioral Health Programs at OSF Saint Francis Medical in Peoria. As I see it, she is a leader that stays pretty close to the trenches. She spoke about the different paths of becoming a nurse and the work being done to standardize programs between schools. She challenged us to keep our vision of the future fresh. This year former scholar recipient Jason Palmatier received his doctor of medicine degree from Loyola school of medicine. Don, his father, provided an update on Jason. Jason didn t always have a vision of becoming a doctor. Now 13 years after graduating from high school Jason has achieved his revised vision with direction and assistance from family, friends, coworkers, and the Scottish Rite. Don was very articulate in expressing his family s appreciation for the Scottish Rite scholarship program. As I listened to him talk, I kept thinking about how so worth it this program is. This event doesn t just happen; it takes the efforts of many people to put it together. Nellie s year round contribution to the scholarship program is to be commended. The Bloomington-Normal Assembly #7 of the Order of Rainbow for Girls did a superb job with the refreshments. John Dorner, the certificate brother, came through for us. Kathy Burden stepped in at the last minute to be our photographer. Each year I m concerned about getting the details right. Each year I m relieved to see fellow brothers asking what they can do to help. This is a team event Scottish Rite Scholarship Recipients at recepiton held Aug. 7th at Second Presbyterian Church. L-R: Roger Aukerman, Andy Bender awarding scholarship Commander-in-Chief Bob Trefzger addressing the audience. Roger F. Aukerman, MSA, 33 and Dr. Vickie Folse, director of IWU s School of Nursing Cathedral News 5

6 Valley Newsbriefs Valley of Bloomington News Clark named Deputy s Representative to Valley of Bloomington Illustrious Brother Gregory L. Clark, 33 has been named Deputy s Representative to the Valley of Bloomington at the designation of the new Scottish Rite Deputy for Illinois, Benny L. Grisham, 33. Bell Ringing for Salvation Army The Lodge of Perfection will again be hosting the annual ringing of the bells at Macys in Eastland Mall on Dec. 16 th & 17 th. Contact Jeff Fox or call the office to volunteer or for more information Upcoming Events Oct Above: Gregory L. Clark, 33 and Gerti Camper s Club Christmas Party TThe Scottish Rite Campers Club annual Christmas party is Friday, December 2, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. at Normal Lodge. Please bring cookies or holiday treats to share for dessert. Also bring a present for the gift exchange that works for either man or woman. RSVP before November 21, 2011 to Barry or Cindy. SRRA Campground Cleanup Camping season is ending. The campground is closing for the year. Fall clean-up is planned for October 14th and 15th with a soup lunch served at noon on Oct. 15th. Contact Barry Carney for information or see the website: then under the Member Benefits tab. Peace Meals delivery - Rose Croix sponsor Trustee Meeting, 6 PM, Stated 7 PM - Council Line Campout (10/15) Close & Clean-up - Noon soup potluck Chapter Line volunteering at Midwest Food Bank, 5-7 pm Greg is a very familiar face to many of our brethren, having served as Thrice Potent Master of Bloomington Lodge of Perfection in , and as Commander in Chief of our Valley from Greg continues to be very active in Masonry, and is presently serving the Grand Lodge of Illinois as Senior Grand Deacon. Greg and his wife, Gerti, have two grown children, Missi and Troy. Over the years, all of the Clarks have taken an active role in the cast and crew of the American Passion Play. Greg currently is a member of the play s Board of Trustees. Chili Cookoff The Lodge of Perfection will be having the second annual Chili cook-off at the Nov. 1st stated meeting. There will be 5 judges evaluating the chili before the stated meeting. The brethren can then help themselves and enjoy some interesting chilis. The entries should be in the game room at the Bloomington Masonic Temple at 5:30 pm for judging and tasting. So bring your favorite chili (or your wife s best recipe) that you ve enjoyed. Come on out and enjoy the fellowship and culinary delights! Deaths Nov & 5 7 Dec Trustee Mtg - 6 PM / Stated 7 PM - Chapter Line Chili Cook-off sponsored by Lodge of Perfection Fall Reunion at BCPA Peace Meals delivery - Rose Croix sponsor SRRA Christmas Party at Normal Lodge at 6 pm Peace Meals delivery - Rose Croix sponsor Trustee Meeting, 6 pm Stated Meeting, 7 pm, Consistory Line Bell Ringing for Salvation Army, Macys Albert I. Melton, Normal, IL Arthur S. Carnahan, Bloomington, IL Orville S. Alexander, Bloomington, IL Donald P. Boyd, LeRoy, IL Martin A. Compton, Bloomington, IL Antone J. Heideman, Gibson City, IL Erwin L. Duzan, Lexington, IL Francis E. Ryan, Clinton, IL Elmo M. Douglass, Kalahelo, HI LXXXIV:2

7 Fall Reunion Meals The meals require a reservation with the office ( ) before Monday October 31st, and payment in advance or at the door. As always, your family and significant other are welcome at the banquet. Friday Dinner - $10.00 Meat lasagna or vegetable lasagna, Lettuce salad, dressings, French toast, Assorted sherbet, Ice tea, coffee, milk & water Saturday Lunch - $9.00 Chili or Vegetable soup, Sandwiches (chicken salad, ham, turkey), Assorted cheeses & breads, Pasta salad, cookies Ice tea, lemonade, coffee and water Saturday Banquest - $25.00 (Beef ) or $23.00 (Chicken) Beef tenderloin Grilled chicken breast, baked honey chicken, chicken cordon bleu (choice of one) Choice of vegetable - green beans, broccoli-nor mandy, corn & peas, honey brown carrots, Dinner rolls; Lettuce salad Assorted cheesecake Ice tea, coffee, water; CASH BAR Mt. Calvary Chapter held a dinner for officers and Past Most Wise Masters and wives September 23rd at the Ozark House. We had 14 attendees and a good night of fellowship was had by all. MWM Dan Yandel would like thank all that attended and to senior PMW John Trefzger for his anecdotes. We intend to bring this dinner back as an annual event. Fall Reunion Meal Reservation Coupon Fill out and mail to the Scottish Rite office, P.O. Box 3695, Bloomington, IL or call Nellie at Meal Desired Friday Dinner Saturday Lunch Banquet Chicken (select one) Grilled Breast Honey Baked Cordon Bleu Banquet Beef # Meals (times) Cost $10.00 $9.00 $23.00 each $25.00 Meals Sum Total Due (equals) Amount Candidate & spouse/guest meals are complementary. Billy and Kathy Burden and Connie Trefzger at DDD Fall Dinner Above: John Trefzger & Ken Smith at Chapter Dinner Below: Angela and Dan Yandel at Chapter Dinner Lars and Sue LaBounty at DDD Fall Dinner Cathedral News 7

8 Bloomington Consistory Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite PO Box 3695 Bloomington, IL ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED We re on the Web Vol. LXXXIV:2 October, 2011 Non-Profit Organization US Postage Paid Bloomington, IL Permit No. 37 Photos of volunteers working at Midwest Food Bank on Aug. 29. Sovereign Prince Larry Raglan conveys his utmost appreciation for all the help in this activity. 8