VALLEY OF BLOOMINGTON AASR, 32 MASONS

Transcription

1 Volume LXXX:1 August Above: Scottish Rite Scholarship recipients at the reception held Aug. 11th at the Temple. This year there were 64 scholarship winners. A large crowd attended the reception ceremony. VALLEY OF BLOOMINGTON AASR, 32 MASONS Scholarship Committee Chairman, Roger F. Aukerman, MSA, was the master of ceremonies at the annual scholarship reception. Kristina L. Gaddy of Lexington, IL spoke for the scholarship winners. Her mother Marilyn & the Rainbow girls provided refreshments for the gathering. Rich Beal, AVP of State Farm Bank, was the featured speaker. He emphasized service and activities the winners could do the rest of their lives. Valley scholarship recipients 2 Scholarship Reception 3 Family Picnic at SRRA 3 Upcoming Events 4 Deaths 4 McLean County Fair 5 Masonic Community Days 6 My Dream Car 7 MSA - Donald G. Anderson 7 Promise Yourself 8

2 The Valley of Bloomington, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry congratulates these scholarship recipients: AMERICAN PASSION PLAY SCHOLARSHIPS Amanda K. Aukerman Jayme L. Ayers Troy P. Clark Kayleigh A. Mcgann Sarah E. Young ILLINOIS GRAND LODGE SCHOLARSHIPS Britney K. Cagle Danvers, IL Rebecca C. Wiegand ABBOTT SCOTTISH RITE SCHOLARSHIPS Kristina L. Gaddy Lexington, IL Andrew W. Hoffman Farmer City, IL LOUIS L. WILLIAMS MEMORIAL SCHOLARHIP Kayla S. Kindred Lauren E. Seidner ROBERT B. PERKINS SCHOLARSHIP Kelsey J. DePew SHERWOOD & EVELYN KRESIN SCHOLARSHIP Rebecca A. Maurer Saybrook, IL HEALTHCARE SCHOLARSHIPS Kristen M. Aberle Thawville, IL Christina M. Ackerman Bellflower, IL Linda M. Aukerman Christina A. Biggs Sammy P. Catarinicchia Minonk, IL Cylie J. Cole Farmer City, IL Bailey E. Conroy, Dwight, IL Melissa E. Donnan Caelie M. Dowdall Lake Villa, IL Margaret L. Edwards Kandis L. Ferguson Jill M. Floyd Stefan R. Frazier Danvers, IL Elizabeth M. Froelich Forrest, IL Rochelle K. Gerber Forrest, IL Brandon A. Gibs Jacqueline C. Gill Heyworth, IL Elizabeth A. Guth Hudson, IL Kourtney L. Haas Samantha E. Hayes Lexington, IL Nicole M. Kirby Carlock, IL Lisa D. Livingston Ashley M. Marsinko Streator, IL Catharyn E. Meins Page 2 CATHEDRAL NEWS Anthony J. Melchiorri Sydne L Miller Ashley N. Monson Brittany N. Montavon Alyssa D. Noak Molly E. Odum, Vanessa M. Osborne Sara K. Payne Sara L. Peiper Brittanie N. Pitkins Megan C. Plunk Stormie N. Prather Sarah J. Ruff Sadie J. Sanders Kaleigh J. Schlipf Sarah J. Shambaugh Cassandra A. Sorensen Amber N. Steidinger Sara B. Strauch Calvin J. Teubel Katherine L. Varney Kristina A. Vasnaik Jessica A. Walker Susan M. Waltrip Stephanie L. Wargo Ayla M. Westray Jessica M. Whalen Erica L. Woodall Kelsey S. Zebarth Cerro Gordo, IL Mendota, IL Towanda, IL Strawn, IL Seneca, IL Fairbury, IL Morris, IL Mansfield, IL Gridley, IL Gridley, IL Lovington, IL LeRoy, IL Fairbury, IL Forrest, IL Beaverton, OR LeRoy, IL Streator, IL Monticello, IL Lincoln, IL Melvin, IL Nellie Nall, dedicated Scottish Rite office manager, who does lots of work to make the scholarship program successful and helps it thrive in the Valley. The Scottish Rite Masons of Central Illinois award an excess of $50,000 in scholarships annually to deserving students. For more information contact your school counselor or the Scottish Rite at (309) Information can also be found at (including scholarship applications). Congratulations students on your accomplishments!

3 Scottish Rite Scholarship Reception Fills banquet Hall..Again, By Roger Aukerman MSA With just under one hundred in attendance, the Bloomington Masonic Temple s lower level was filled. The afternoon of August 11 we were able to experience that feeling hosting the Scottish Rite Scholarship Reception. A business leader and community volunteer, Rich Beal delivered his thoughts on volunteerism. He challenged those present to pay forward good deeds. As opposed to paying someone back for a good deed, you pay forward a good deed to three people and they each do the same to three more people. Doing the math, if this continues it doesn t take long to reach out to many people. Rich was raised in Monmouth IL. He recalled times of the community coming together to help someone in need. He spoke of balance. Rich s examples and witness filled the room with inspiration.. Not many college age students enjoy public speaking. Kristina Gaddy is an exception. She presented her thoughts on being a scholarship recipient. Thank you Kristina. The event was led by Roger Aukerman, chairman of the Valley s Family Life Program. The presentation of certificates was handled by Robert Trefzger 33 and Billy M. Burden 33. Rich Beal greeted each recipient. The event was closed with Robert Trefzger 33 leading us in a benediction. David Young 33 took charge of the registration. Randy Wilson, Thrice Potent Master and Dale Arbour, Most Wise Master were on hand to meet and greet. Thanks to all members present for making our guests feel welcome. Thanks to Ron Blue 33 for printing the certificates. Thanks also to Bill Tanner who put a lot of time into the presentation of our building. Just as long as he doesn t find that handprint I left on a window I ll be ok. Special recognition was extended to Nellie Nall, administrative assistant for the Valley of Bloomington. As anyone who has worked with the scholarships can attest, she is deeply involved in keeping the volumes of forms and paper organized. At least two recipients brought with them two generations of Masons. Kelsey DePew was escorted by her father Rusty and grandfather Jim DePew 33. Kayleigh McGann was escorted by her father Mark Morrison and Grandfather Don Dillow. Uncle Paul Dillow was also present. The event included wonderful refreshments served by members of Bloomington-Normal Assembly #7 of the Order of Rainbow for Girls, supervised by Mother Advisor Marilyn Gaddy. To obtain more information about scholarships awarded through the Valley of Bloomington, visit charity.htm on the web, or write to: Scholarship Committee, Valley of Bloomington, AASR, P. O. Box 3695, C. Walden Crouch, 33, & Mabel Crystal Weer and her father James H. Gordon, MSA Left: Brethren and families enjoying lunch at the Scottish Rite Family Picnic held at the Scottish Rite Recreation Area in June. The food was great and the games fun. A good time was had by all. VOLUME LXXX:1 Page 3

4 Upcoming Events August September October November December Supreme Council Washington, D.C. 3 Labor Day Holiday 4 Trustee Mtg 6 p.m., Stated Mt. 7:00 p.m. Lodge of Perfection Presides 18 NOVAT Unit 10th Annual Bratfest Great Lakes Shrine London, Ontario 22 Valley of Bloomington Heart Walk-Council Sponsor 2 Trustee Mtg 6 p.m., Stated Mt. 7:00 p.m. Zerrubbabel Council Presides 1-3 Grand Chapter O.E.S-Springfield, IL 6-7 Grand Lodge Springfield, IL 27 DeMolay Commandery #24 Inspection Trustee Mtg 6 p.m., Stated Mt. 7:00 p.m. Rose Croix Chapter Presides 11 Veteran s Day Fall Reunion BCPA Building 22 Thanksgiving Delmar D. Darrah 33 Club Christmas Dinner 3 Salvation Army Bell Ringing-LOP Sponsor 4 Trustee Mtg 6 p.m., Stated Mt. 7:00 p.m. Consistory Presides 11 Mohammed Shrine Election of Officers 25 Christmas Deaths These brothers have traveled to the home of the Supreme Architect of the Universe, that house not made with hands eternal in the heavens. Our sympathies go to their families and friends. Arnold S. Barr, Florissant, MO Virgil L. Johnson, George H. Brown, Morris, IL William H. Daily, John E. Kenerly, Robert P. Smith, Farmer City, IL Coy Agee, Maroa, IL Arthur F. Willan, MSA D. Hodge Fuller, 33, William C. Sims, LeRoy, IL Leo F. Millinger, Seattle, WA Richard H. Tarvin, Clinton C. Wendell, Parker, CO William H. Ahlenius, Most Worshipful Grand Master Noel C. Dicks, 33, receiving honorary membership in Wade Barney Lodge # 512 from Worshipful Master Jeffrey J. Fox after being received on July 12th. Roger F. Aukerman, MSA and his wife golfing at the Zerubbabel Council Princes of Jerusalem Family Day at Gradys on July 22nd. Scholarship guest speaker Rich Beal being introduced to a packed house by Roger F. Aukerman, MSA at the annual Scholarship Reception Aug. 11th at Bloomington Masonic Temple At left: Clockwise from left: Charles Goodmann, Larry L. La- Bounty 33, Gregory F. Broughton, Jeffrey J. Fox, Andrew S. Bender, Robert H. Wright 33, Earnest G. Vittitoe, MSA and George W. Broughton. Wade Barney # 512 and Bloomington # 43 presented a Tyler Emeritus award to George for his decades of service as Tyler to both lodges. Page 4 CATHEDRAL NEWS

5 Downsized, but still well represented at the McLean County Fair By Roger Aukerman MSA Fairgoers had the opportunity to learn about Masonry from our brethren manning the valley s display. The Interstate Center may have been cool from the air conditioning, but was warm from the fellowship of brethren and friends. For three days our valley manned four shifts of volunteers. In total, 23 brothers volunteered. Our thanks go out to this group. From this group we had three double shift volunteers including Dale Arbour, Bernie Maharg, and Jay Keeran In comparison to last year s display, this year we downsized from a booth to two tables. We also downsized from five days to three. These actions were both the result of moving from the commercial area to be with other not-for-profit organizations. Masonic charity was a message conveyed in our display. In addition, two new items were added to our display this year. These were a new brochure A Matter of Degree: How to become a 32 nd Degree Mason VOLUME LXXX:1 VIII:1 and a handout giving the address and date of area Blue Lodge meetings. Thanks to David Young 33 for acquiring this new brochure. The Blue Lodge handout came from Roger Aukerman MSA. While he formatted and printed it, the contents came from John Dorner. As John will tell you, just provide your , and information to benefit Masonry is on its way. I asked and John delivered. The value of this Family Life Event can be measured in several ways. This provided an opportunity for the community to have Masonic related questions answered. It gave our members visiting the fair a place to stop, rest, and fellowship. Also with most shifts being staffed by more than one person, there was the opportunity to get to know a fellow brother a little better. Watch your heart when doing something to benefit your fellow man. Watch your step when visiting the livestock at the fair. Michael R. Fowler, 33, and Jay Keeran working at the Scottish Rite Booth at the McLean County Fair in the Interstate Center main building. Valley of Bloomington Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Scottish Rite Office (309) Commander-in-Chief Barry D. Weer, 33 Thrice Potent Master K. Randall Wilson Sovereign Prince John R. Barringer Most Wise Master Dale F. Arbour Executive Secretary David E. Young, 33 Treasurer Earnest G. Vittitoe, MSA Board of Trustees Billy M. Burden, 33 1st Lt. Commander Robert T. Trefzger, 33 2nd Lt. Commander Theron F. Noth Deputy Master J. Eric Barringer High Priest Paul J. Dillow Sr. Warden Steven L. Barr Trustee Richard M. Erickson Trustee Bill E. Tanner Trustee Gregory L. Clark, 33 Trustee Committees Audit Ronald R. Guthoff Membership John D. Dorner Finance Barry Weer, 33 History Dale F. Arbour Insurance Joseph M. Jackson Legal Russell E. DePew Permanent Fund Barry D. Weer, 33 Planning Billy M. Burden, 33 Properties C. Walden Crouch, 33 SRRA John A. Hulett, MSA Charity Gregory L. Clark, 33 Community Concerns Norman L. Meade, 33 Bill Tanner Family Life Roger F. Aukerman, MSA Scholarships Webmaster John D. Dorner Learning Center Janet Blue Newsletter Dale F. Arbour The Cathedral News is printed bi-monthly for the purpose of informing the members about events in the Valley. Page 5

6 Left-IL CHIP camera station. Above-Bernie Maharg, Alvin E. House, Robert H. Wright, 33, Paul J. Dillow and Billy M. Burden, 33 helping in the activities and displays at Masonic Community Days. Above-Eastern Star table display. Right-Mohammed Shrine display. Bill E. Tanner running the fingerprint station during IL CHIP event at Masonic Community Days. 20 children were identified. Page 6 CATHEDRAL NEWS

7 My Dream Car by Pastor Kirk Statler, North English Christian Church I have a son who is a car nut and is just learning the joys of car ownership. We enjoy watching car restoration TV shows where they take an old, rusty, worn out, broken down car and make it into something incredibly beautiful, valuable and desirable. You ve probably seen one of these show cars driving down the road at it travels to compete for Best of Show or the like. I keep hoping that my son will submit me and my car for one of these miracle makeovers! It s hard to imagine anyone who wouldn t love to have one of these beautiful cars. My dream? I d love to have a candy apple red convertible with 400 horsepower, custom wheel rims and leather interior. But it s easy to forget that this car started out as little more than pieces of metal bonded together by rust and cloud scenes of fading paint. Just as it s hard to imagine who wouldn t want a show car, there aren t many people who d be drawn to it in the rusted condition. But scripture tells us that s exactly how we appeared to God before he began His good work on and in us. That s right, until we enter God s body shop and He begins upgrading (and at times completely replacing) our engine (heart), wheels (motivations), paint (personality) and more, we re not much to look at. Only a true people lover (God) could ever envision what this life of our s our car could look like with the touch of the Master Restorer. The hardest part is that very few cars enjoy the process of restoration, since it requires sanding, scraping, cutting away, welding and polishing all pretty traumatic experiences for a work in progress. But this process is absolutely necessary if the car is ever going to be the beautifully restored work it can be. It requires trusting the Restorer and choosing to accept the process even when it looks like it s going the wrong direction! The best news is that this process has been going on for a long time. The Restorer knows what He is doing and He is an expert. Our part is to choose to go into God s body shop. What kind of car do you dream of? What kind of life? May you appreciate that you have a God you can depend on, extremely committed to the restoration process He is doing on your life. While at times it will be difficult and possibly even painful, the finished product of your car, your life, will be something incredibly beautiful, valuable and desirable. See you on the highway or at the next car show honk if you see us! Thanks to Jim Grimm, 33, for providing this article. Below: Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master Daniel C. Yandel observing fingerprinting at the ILCHIP event at the Rainbow Conclave in Springfield. Bill E. Tanner, regional ILCHIP coordinator, reported that 35 children were identified during the annual Rainbow Conclave. Donald G. Anderson was the Valley s recipient for the Meritorious Service Award, the highest a valley can award to its members. The award was presented at the Illinois Council of Deliberation banquet on June 9th in Springfield. Below-Don at the Ceremony with his wife and daughters. VOLUME LXXX:1 Page 7

8 Bloomington Consistory Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite PO Box ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED We re on the Web Vol. LXXX:1 August Non-Profit Organization US Postage Paid Permit No. 37 Promise Yourself To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet. To make all your friends feel that there is something worthwhile in them. To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true. To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best. To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own. To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. To wear a cheerful expression at all times and give a smile to every living creature you meet. To give so much time to improving yourself that you have no time to criticize others. To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble. To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world, not in loud word, but in great deeds. To live in the faith that the whole world is on your side, so long as you are true to the best that is in you. Theron F. Noth and Jeffrey J. Fox playing games at SRRA picnic.