JULY Welcome Spring Reunion Class of 2014

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1 JULY 2014 Deadline Date For October 2014 Valley Notice: September 2, 2014 Deliver submissions to the Scottish Rite Office, or to the editor: SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: Please submit articles ONLY in MS Word format or in the body of your only, Photos in.jpg format. Please Submit All Material In Microsoft Word format PAGE 1 FALL 2014 CLASS, NAMES & PHOTO PAGES 2 & 3 PRESIDING OFFICER MESSAGES PAGE 4 HOSPITALER SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS THE TREE & THE SHOVEL DETAIL THANK YOU-FROM LADIES AUXILLIARY PAGE 5 FEAST OF TISHRI PAGE 6 AUGUST 2 FAMILY PICNIC FLYER PAGE 7 MEMBERSHIP MESSAGE MEMBERSHIP HAS PRIVILEGES NEW PASSPORT RECOGNITION PAGE 8 PAGODA CLUB MOVIE FLYER WHAT HUMP? PAGE 9 IN MEMORIUM UPCOMING EVENTS: CLUB, SHRINE & VALLEY of READING PAGE 10 ANNUAL LYNN BRANDT GOLF OUTING PAGE 11 DeMOLAY HONORS FALL REUNION ONTELAUNEE SAUSAGE & PANCAKES PAGE TWELVE FAMILY PICNIC Photograph by Bro. Harold E. Hoch, Brethren were created Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, 32 Scottish Rite Masons on May 17, Joining the Class and the Marshalls in this photo are: Ill. Edward O. Weisser, 33, Right Worshipful Past Grand Master; Ill. Marvin G. Speicher, 33, Right Worshipful Past Grand Treasurer; William H. Tennant, Jr., 33, Commander-in-Chief of Reading Consistory, S.P.R.S.; Ill. Harry E. Hackman, Jr., 33, Most Wise Master of Francis Marion Highley Chapter, Rose Croix; and Stephen R. Higgins, 32, Sovereign Prince of C. Gilbert Steffe Council, Princes of Jerusalem. Welcome Spring Reunion Class of 2014 Todd P. Bomberger East Petersburg, PA Manheim Lodge No. 587 Christopher M. Delmonico Reading, PA St. John s Lodge No. 435 Anthony C. DeGirolomo Phoenixville, PA Phoenix Lodge No. 75 Brian M. Ewing Royersford, PA Springford Lodge No. 553 Mark R. Frohm Parkesburg, PA Skerrett Lodge No. 343 Chester E. Gordon Terre Hill, PA Howell Lodge No. 405 Leon Guigiema Blandon, PA Huguenot Lodge No. 377 Zachary R. Hopple Boyertown, PA Mt. Pickering Lodge No. 446 Jordan A. Ippolito Lincoln University, PA New London Lodge No. 545 Brien T. Kalnoski Bernville, PA Boyertown Lodge No. Ronald K. Riffle Boyertown, PA Boyertown Lodge No. 741 Thomas A. Klostik Sinking Spring, PA St. John s Lodge No. 435 Bradley S. Lingenfelter Pottstown, PA Springford Lodge No. 553 Taylor D. Mills Laureldale, PA Chandler lodge No. 227 Dodge J. Nerbonne Coatesville, PA Brandywine Goddard Lodge No. 383 Dale M. Oldham Myerstown, PA Williamson Lodge No. 307 Ryan D. Ross Landenberg, PA New London Lodge No. 545 Harry J. Smith Royersford, PA Bristol Lodge No. 25 Scott J. Trego Downingtown, PA Mt. Pickering Lodge No. 446 Brandon M. Unruh Pottstown, PA Springford Lodge No. 553 Warren T. Wallace Oxford, PA New London Lodge No. 545 Jeffrey L. Witmer Mount Joy, PA Lodge No. 43

2 The Commander-in-Chief Ill. William H. Tennant, Jr., 33 Thrice Potent Master s Corner Ronald J. Dalius, 32 I hope all of you who attended the Spring Reunion on May 17th had a great time. I know I did. Visitors from several valleys honored us by traveling long distances to attend. They came from Boston, Vermont, Rochester N.Y., New York City, New Jersey and Delaware. I personally spoke with many of them and received many fine compliments as to our degree work, our hospitality and of course our wonderful facility here in Reading. I announced to the class that they would all be cast in the 17th degree this fall. I explained to them that the best way to become active here at the Valley is to attend the rehearsals, get to know the Brothers who they will be working with at the fall reunion. It will be interesting to see how many accept my offer and participate in the degree. We have many events coming up this summer. The Family Picnic, Saturday August 2nd is a wonderful time for the kids of all ages. It will be at the Liederkranz again this year. Come out and enjoy the day, the food and fellowship. Hope to see you and your family there. My Fraternal Greetings Brethren. I thank each of you who have supported me on my journey to Thrice Potent Master. I look forward to this year of service to the Valley of Reading. It seems like only yesterday that I started through the line. I am most appreciative of the Past Thrice Potent Masters who have come out to rehearsals and given advice and guidance to the entire line of officers. Now that summer has arrived, it is important that all Brethren attend the various County Club events. I urge all members, whether new or long time, to make The Valley a priority by marking your calendars now. Your attendance at the Reunions will not only increase your fraternal dedication to the Valley, but will encourage and gratify those members who devote many hours to making the each Reunion possible. Better still, why not become a participant in one the degree conferrals? If you get involved you will have a lot of fun and get a lot of satisfaction in assisting in the work. Looking forward to seeing many of you soon, I remain... VALLEY NOTICE Is a publication of the four bodies of the Valley of Reading, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction and is the official notice of meetings, events and activities of the Valley. Editor: Dick Miller, 32 The Valley of Reading, A.A.S.R. P.O. Box 6013 West Reading, PA Phone: Fax: valley.of.reading@comcast.net 2

3 Sovereign Prince Speaks Craig W. Shaffer, 32 Most Wise Master s Moment Arthur K. Armstrong, 32 I have come to find that Google calendar is a wonderful tool for our busy lives today. Having logged another reunion into the archives for the Valley, I thought I could take a breather. well guess what. I once had a Brother tell me after I became a Past Master of my Blue Lodge, that the work is just beginning, thank goodness for Google calendar. First, I would like to thank all who have placed their confidence in me to serve this Valley for the ensuing year. As our Past Sovereign Prince stated in his last Valley Notice column, the presiding officer does not start with a blank slate, but works within traditions of his predecessors. Advice will be sought, opinions and suggestions will be listened to and solicitation from the other bodies and committees within the Valley will all be requested so we, as a Valley, can leave it better for the next generation of leaders. The Council of Princes of Jerusalem has two main events to accomplish this year. First, did you know that it will be the 100 th anniversary of the Council of Princes of Jerusalem and the Chapter of Rose Croix here in the Valley? We will be looking for old photos, stories, past programs, etc., so blow the dust off the boxes and start hunting them down. It is the general consensus to have a combined celebration in the future, so stay tuned for more information. As in the past, the Council will be hosting the Holiday Happenings in December. This event has been a crowd pleaser in the past, and now that we have added special show presentations over the past years, it is our hope to increase the public awareness and attendance for this great celebration. In closing I would like to remind you of the acronym TEAMS: Together Everyone Achieves More Success. I am looking forward to a great year and working with the men and women of the Valley of Reading. Have a great summer. Beginning my term as Most Wise Master, allow me to first thank all of my Brothers who have made it possible for me to reach this point of my service to Freemasonry. I have truly been blessed, mostly by being able to continue my mortal journey among such men of the Craft. In the attempt to compose these few words, it became somewhat a daunting task, once I realized that there may not really be anything that hasn t already been said in our newsletters. The age old preaching to the choir came instantly to mind. So allow me to address those looking for that something more to life. Freemasonry just might be that something searched for, but there are still unanswered questions. The Scottish Rite fellowship, along with the study of its degrees and ritual can be what you have searched for. Other answers as amongst Masons can always be found by seeking for it in the proper quarter. Speaking for myself, I know that it has made all the difference in how I view every aspect of life on this revolving dust ball. It has given me a better understanding of what I am and what T.G.A.O.T.U. demands of me. If my only duty is to carry forth the legacy of Freemasonry that was preserved for me, then my task can and will be fulfilled with the assistance of all my Brethren. Tentatively, in the spring of 2015, we will be having a joint 100 th anniversary celebration of Council and Chapter in the Valley of Reading and will update the information as we have it available. Also, on May 19, 2015, I will celebrate my 25 th year as a member of the Valley of Reading. Please join us for these celebrations and all Scottish Rite activities. Fraternally, 3

4 HOSPITALER AWARDS SCHOLARSHIP Illustrious Marvin G. Speicher, 33, announced that the Hospitaler s fund has awarded two 2014 Valley of Reading Scholarships to Benjamin J. Mercadante and Virginia A. Moyer.. Ben is attending Penn College of Technology in Williamsport, PA. He is the son of Matthew J. and Colleen M. Mercadante. Virginia will be studying Sports Management and Physical Fitness in Baltimore Maryland. The School is part of the University of Maryland. Virginia is the daughter of Allen D. and Emily S. Moyer. The purpose of the Valley of Reading Scottish Rite Scholarship Program is to be of assistance and encouragement to young men and women with a high school education desiring to acquire training in trades, business, technical, vocational or career programs and, who have been accepted in accredited schools offering such programs. The training programs (Certificate or Associate Degree) typically are two years in length; however, the time required for completion may vary. Scholarships are for one year, awarded annually. Students entering the second year of a training program are also eligible and encouraged to apply. Illustrious Brother Speicher also thanks the members of the Valley of Reading who included a donation to the Hospitaler s Fund along with their dues payment. LEANING ON THEIR SHOVELS Planting the tree that C. Gilbert Steffe Council, Princes of Jerusalem, hopes to decorate as a Christmas Tree are: Bradley L. Auker, President of the Scottish Rite Volunteer Committee; Kevin S. Barnhardt, Second Lieutenant Commander; William H. Tennant, Jr., Commander-in-Chief; and Stephen R. Higgins, Sovereign Prince. Does that tree look straight to you? On April 13, 2014, the Ladies Auxiliary sponsored another successful fashion show. A very big THANK YOU to the beautiful models, great servers, the many men who helped set up Friday night, the ladies of the auxiliary who brought in wonderful door prizes, the fashion show committee who worked hard and especially to all the ladies who attended the fashion show. Without all of this help a successful show would not happen. As a result $5000 will be given to the Children s Dyslexia Center of Reading. Again, many thanks. Helen Hummel Fashion Show Chairwoman 4

5 Reading Consistory, Sublime prince of the Royal Secret, 32 Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Reading, Pennsylvania. Invites every Master Mason to celebrate The Feast of Tishri Deuteronomy 16:13 - Thou shall observe the feast of tabernacles after thou hast gathered in thy corn and wine. A Members Only Dinner and Table Lodge. BLACK TIE REQUESTED with the appropriate decorations of your organization. A Profound Experience, Featuring Great Food and Fraternal Fellowship. Guest Speaker: Illustrious S. Eugene Herritt, 33 R.W. Senior Grand Warden Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania Social Hour begins at 6:00 o clock in the Evening FRIDAY OCTOBER 3, 2014 at the SCOTTISH RITE CATHEDRAL 310 South Seventh Avenue West Reading, PA $60.00 per person Includes a souvenir and full beverage service RESERVATIONS: Please detach the form below and mail to the Scottish Rite Cathedral along with your check made payable to: AASR Activities. The Deadline for reservations is September 22nd CUT HERE RESERVATION FORM NAME Number of Reservations Amount $60.00 $ PLEASE PRINT TABLE WITH Make check Payable to: AASR Activities and return to the Scottish Rite Cathedral. Deadline for reservations is September 22 nd Tables of eight are available. 5

6 Scottish Rite Valley of Reading At Reading Liederkranz, Spook Lane, Reading FUN, FUN, FUN from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. 4:00 Let the fun begin 4:30 Games with 6:00 Entertainment 4-8:00 FREE - with socializing, food & prizes by age group, for the kids Ice cream, soda, fun for kids of all ages. including Bingo! pretzels, peanuts. GAME ICE CREAM MOON BOUNCE FUN FOR ALL BE SURE TO REPORT TO THE REGISTRATION TABLE Each Scottish Rite Member Must Show Current Dues Card Free Picnic Tags Will Be Given To You And Your Family 6

7 MEMBERSHIP MESSAGE The Valley of Reading will be having many interesting convenient and enjoyable social activities during the summer months. Check this newsletter for the activity details. Make it your goal this summer to bring a prospective new member to one of the Valley functions. The family picnic held on August 2, 2014 at the Reading Liederkranz is a great opportunity to bring not only your family but also a prospective new member and enjoy the fun. Perhaps you can also bring an old member who left his membership lapse and encourage him to restore his membership. The Ill. Lynn G. Brandt 33 Memorial Golf Outing is on Friday September 19, 2014 at the Reading Country Club. This is a great opportunity to bring prospective members. Have them join in on a fun day and meet some of our members. Personal contact is what works, invite them and they will come. Talk to the Senior Warden of your Lodge about the Valley of Reading and a Scottish Rite Program for your Lodge. If your Lodge needs a program next year please contact me and we will have a program on the Valley of Reading and the Scottish Rite ready for you. It is never too early to get petitions for the Valley. Personal contact is what gets petitions. You need to talk to members of your Lodge about the Valley of Reading and ask them to petition. Have a great summer! Harry E. Hackman, Jr. 33 Membership Chairman harryhackman@comcast.net MEMBERSHIP HAS ITS PRIVILEGES The Scottish Rite NMJ website offers many membership services, including: special rates on health, dental and home insurance, vacation packages, and Jos. A. Bank, just to name a few. To find out more, go to: New Passport Recognition As many of you are aware, Your Supreme Council has made an update to the passport recognition program. The Program requires each member to have his passport stamped when he has witnessed a degree in any one of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction Valleys. A member who has witnessed all 29 degrees of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction should have his Valley Secretary certify the completion of the passport. The Secretary then submits the certified passport to Supreme Council for recognition and certification. The Changes that have been made do not affect how the program works, simply the recognition items. The certificate has been updated to be more inline with other Supreme Council certificates and Supreme Council is now issuing a Gold passport to the member as recognition that he has completed the cycle at least once. Therefore, if you see a gold passport, congratulate the brother and continue to stamp his passport book. For those members who have already completed a passport and would like to have a new certificate and new GOLD passport issued, simply present your present book to your Secretary and he will forward your passport to Supreme Council for action. Once verified, a new passport certificate will be issued. 7

8 Pagoda Club Movie & Chili Night Saturday, October 18 th Scottish Rite Cathedral 5:00 pm Social Hour (Beer!) 6:00 pm Bob Hoyes Famous Chili 6:30 pm Young Frankenstein Only $10.00 per person Bring your ladies, friends and family for a fun evening Enjoy some of Catch Hoyes world famous chili Bring a favorite chair and enjoy a classic Mel Brooks comedy! Put... ze candle... *back*! 8

9 IN MEMORIAM The Valley of Reading remembers with respect the following Brethren whose deaths have been reported since The last publication of the Valley Notice. Joseph J. Bird Joseph Lodge J. No. Bird 340 Lodge March No. 29, March 29, 2013 Raymond E. Hoopes, Jr. Raymond Lodge No E. 343 Hoopes, Jr. Lodge May No 20, May 20, 2013 George W. Horst, Jr. George Lodge W. No. Horst, 226 Jr. Lodge June No. 11, June 11, 2013 Richard A. Hartman Richard Lodge A. No. Hartman 43 Lodge October No. 13, October 13, 2013 Donald R. Detwiler, Sr. Donald Lodge R. No. Detwiler, 75 Sr. Lodge January No. 25, January 25, 2014 Robert E. Becker Robert Lodge E. No. Becker 75 Lodge January No. 25, January 25, 2014 Byrle R. Shirey Byrle Lodge R. Shirey No.254 Lodge March No , 2014 March 27, 2014 Charles W. Moyer Charles Lodge W. No. Moyer 138 Lodge March No. 30, March 30, 2014 Albert O. Toaldo Albert Lodge O. No. Toaldo 549 Lodge April No. 1, April 1, 2014 Larry E. Kreider Lodge No. 665 April 4, 2014 Paul H. Leinbach Lodge No. 665 April 4, 2014 Kenneth H. Garner Lodge No. 435 April 6, 2014 Richard B. Leaman Lodge No.383 May 10, 2014 Arlin R. Lutz Lodge No. 383 May 10, 2014 Douglas L. Heydt Lodge No. 660 May 23, 2014 Wesley H. Kirby Lodge No. 660 May 23, 2014 Edward J. Jankowski Lodge No. 660 May 29, 2014 UPCOMING EVENTS Thursday, July 17, 2014 Workers & Service Club Picnic BY INVITATION ONLY Scottish Rite Cathedral 310 S Seventh Ave West Reading, PA Wednesday, August 6, 2014 Rajah Shrine Potentate s Picnic South End Gun Club 5330 E Lorane Road Reading, PA Rajah Shrine: CHESTER COUNTY CLUB CHICKEN BAR-B-QUE Saturday, August 9, :30 AM to 2:00PM SKERRETT LODGE 173 Cochran Road, Cochranville, PA Contact:: Bernie DeLellis delellis1785@verizon.net Lancaster County Club Seafood Night at Shady Maple Tuesday, October 7, 2014 Beginning at 6:30 PM $25.00 per person Mail checks to: Randy Kegerise 403 Spruce Street Ephrata, Pa

10 ANCIENT ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE VALLEY OF READING ANNOUNCES Fourth Annual Ill. Lynn G. Brandt, 33 Memorial Golf Outing Modified Shotgun Start at 1:00 pm on Friday September 19, 2014 Reading Country Club 5311 Perkiomen Avenue, (Exeter Township) Reading, PA Phone: (610) Better-Ball Scramble Format COST: $75.00 PER PERSON HOLE SPONSORS WELCOMED Complete) (Clip) (Return with Check) PAYABLE TO "AASR ACTIVITIES" AND SEND TO: Thomas C. Keen 362 N. Sunrise Lane BOYERTOWN, PA Attached is a check for Golfers at $75.00 per person = GOLFER"S NAMES (your name first) ADDRESSES (optional for future mailings) INDIVIDUALS, BUSINESSES OR CORPORATIONS INTERESTED IN SPONSORING A HOLE, PLEASE CONTACT TOM KEEN, OR Don Loos, , FOR MORE INFORMATION. 10

11 ANCIENT ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE VALLEY OF READING, PA FALL REUNION DeMolay Honors Shaw and Stumm Ill. James R. Shaw, 33, Past Most Wise Master and District Deputy Grand Master; and Ill. Edward J. Stumm, 33, Past Sovereign Prince and Grand Tyler, will be invested with The DeMolay Legion of Honor at ceremonies at the Annual Convention of Pennsylvania DeMolay on July 19 th. DeMolay International confers The Legion of Honor upon a Mason who has performed unusual and meritorious service in behalf of the Order or who has evidenced a spirit of cooperation and appreciation for the Order. Nominees are unanimously elected by the Supreme Council of DeMolay International. Saturday, November 22, 2014 At the Scottish Rite Cathedral 310 South Seventh Avenue, West Reading, PA Membership is a privilege. Membership Application Portfolios, Brochures and Petitions are available by contacting the: Scottish Rite Office us at: valley.of.reading@comcast.net website: Deadline for Petitions is November 14, 2014 The Ontelaunee Club FAMOUS PANCAKE & SAUSAGE STAG NIGHT At the Historic Virginville Hotel in the Village of Virginville. MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014 Social hour from 6:00 PM Dinner at 6:45 PM Open bar for draft beer & soda Cash bar for cocktails & bottle beer. Only $15.00 per person A Blue Lodge member with a signed Scottish Rite Petition is free. The Ontelaunee Club Famous Pancake & Sausage Stag Night Reservations: Please Print Scottish Rite Blue Lodge Name Member W/ Petition Amount due Total: $ Detach the completed form and mail to: Irvin D. Herring, 2028 Old Rt.22, Lenhartsville, PA Make Check payable to: Ontelaunee Club, Valley of Reading. No reservations accepted after September 29 th. Don t be disappointed. 11

12 Ancient Accepted SCOTTISH RITE VALLEY OF READING August 2, 2014 DETAILS INSIDE under the pavilion at the Reading Liederkranz Spook Lane, Reading