Volume LXXX:6 June, 2008 Cathedral News. Honoring Longtime Service to Freemasory and the American Passion Play

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1 Volume LXXX:6 June, 2008 Cathedral News VALLEY OF BLOOMINGTON AASR, 32 MASONS Honoring Longtime Service to Freemasory and the American Passion Play Donald G. Anderson, MSA and Ivan G. Scott, MSA at the Passion Play Banquet J.H. Wimpy Gordon, MSA, receiving stage hand longevity award from Ronald F. Lowery, MSA, 33, at the banquet. Wimpy served the play 62 years. Passion Play Director J. Garrie Burr, 33, talking to the actors backstage before the last performance of the 2008 Season. James H. Wimpy Gordon, MSA, served continuously as a member of the cast and crews of the American Passion Play from 1946 until his death last month. Wimpy was a 60-plus year member of the following Masonic bodies: Wade Barney Lodge 512, AF & AM, serving as worshipful master, ; Valley of Bloomington, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, serving as sovereign prince, Zerubbabel Council, Princes of Jerusalem, , and a recipient of the Meritorious Service Award in 1963; Bloomington York Rite Bodies; and Ansar Shrine, Springfield. Fred Tanner & Donald Anderson, MSA working drops in the West fly loft Inside this Issue Roger Aukerman, MSA & Wimpy Gordon, MSA, before the 32 at a recent Reunion Commander-in-Chief 2 Scottish Rite Spring Reunion photos Club 4 Deaths 4 Upcoming Events 4 Membership and Spring Reunion 5 Valley Newsbriefs & Dues Officers of the four bodies 7 & 8 Donald G. Anderson, MSA, has served the Passion Play for 58 years this season and plans to continue. Don did make-up, acted in the mob and Sanhedrin and most recently has worked with the stage crew for many years. Don says that the best part about the Passion Play is the brotherhood, being part of a positive group of men and women. Ivan G. Scott, MSA, has served the Passion Play 54 years in the cast. He started in the mob then became a member of the Roman soldiers for 37 years and Captain for 21 years. He is back as part of the mob an plans to continue at least one more year. J. Garrie Burr, 33, has served the Passion Play for nearly 50 years, most recently as director since Garrie had major parts in the Sanhedrin playing Annas for 10 years and Caiaphas for 20 years. He also portrayed John the Baptist for 16 years. Garrie worked on the modernization of the play to combine some scenes and shorten the play some for modern audiences. 1

2 A significant activity in the life of the Valley of Bloomington is taking place with the construction of the new pool at the Scottish Rite Recreation Area (SRRA). This major investment in the Scottish Rite Facilities at Lake Bloomington is a continuation of the remodeling and refurbishment initiated several years ago to ensure that the SRRA will continue to serve the needs of the membership and affiliated Masonic organizations for many years to come. We are particularly thankful for the generous contribution from the Illinois Masonic Children s Homes, which covered approximately onehalf of the construction cost of the new swimming pool. The children from the Homes have for some number of years enjoyed a week of summer camping fun at the Recreation Area. I know they will surely give the new pool a workout this summer when they again visit. Of course, that is if we can get the weatherman to cooperate and give us enough of a dry spell to complete the concrete work! I would be remiss if I did not thank Wally Crouch who is superintending the work for the Rite, Barry Carey who volunteers as Chairman / Coordinator of the SRRA, the Campers Club, and the other members of the Rite who donate countless hours to maintain the Lodge and grounds and make it all happen. I urge you to take the time to visit the Scottish Rite Recreation Area and view the progress, or hopefully the completed project. The Lake Bloomington facilities are certainly a benefit to our members and a unique asset the Valley of Bloomington has to offer our members. Additionally, should you be a member of an organization which would appreciate using the facilities, are interested in taking advantage of the camping opportunities, would like to reserve the grounds for a family reunion, or would just like to spend the day enjoying the pool, go to the Valley of Bloomington WEB site and click on Scottish Rite Recreation Area link in the upper left hand quadrant to get additional information and explore the possibilities. You will be pleased you made the connections! In another article in this issue, the action taken at the last meeting concerning Valley dues and associated per capita fees from the Illinois Council of Deliberation and Supreme Council is detailed. It has been a number of years since the last increase of members dues. While always difficult, it is necessary that the Valley and the Rite ensure financial stability. The Officers of the Valley have thoroughly analyzed the situation. They have reduced discretionary expenditures to ensure fiscal responsibility and efficiently and effectively manage the affairs of the Valley. Every alternative was explored, but the only reasonable course was to move to address the situation. The action of separating the local Valley of Bloomington dues from the per capita assessments of the State and National Scottish Rite Bodies is a prudent step. We know the Supreme Council has planned increases pending for the next few years. Should these increases place a hardship upon any of our members, we hope they will feel comfortable to share their circumstances with the Executive Secretary. We prefer to take action to temporarily or even permanently remit dues as circumstances dictate rather then lose a member. Fraternally, Barry D. Weer, 33 Commander-in-Chief Valley of Bloomington Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Scottish Rite Office (309) Commander-in-Chief Barry D. Weer, 33 Thrice Potent Master Theron F. Noth Sovereign Prince J. Eric Barringer Most Wise Master Paul J. Dillow Executive Secretary David E. Young, 33 Board of s Billy M. Burden, 33 Robert T. Trefzger, 33 John D. Dorner Jerald H. Starks A. Scott Fortney Steven L. Barr John R. Barringer Bill E. Tanner Gregory L. Clark, 33 Audit Membership Finance History Insurance Legal Permanent Fund Planning Properties SRRA Charity Community Concerns Family Life Scholarships Webmaster Learning Center Newsletter Committees 1st Lt. Commander 2nd Lt. Commander Deputy Master High Priest Sr. Warden Ronald R. Guthoff John D. Dorner Barry D. Weer, 33 Dale F. Arbour Joseph M. Jackson Russell E. DePew Barry D. Weer, 33 Billy M. Burden, 33 C. Walden Crouch, 33 Barry Carney Gregory L. Clark, 33 Norman L. Meade, 33 Bill E. Tanner Roger F. Aukerman, MSA John D. Dorner Janet Blue Dale F. Arbour 2 LXXX:6

3 Spring Reunion at the Valley of Bloomington, May 2 & 3, 2008 The 205th Reunion of the Valley of Bloomington was a big success. Dennis Garrigus, director of work, had high praise for the degree masters, casts, stage crew, lighting, music, wardrobe and make-up members. The degrees were well rehearsed and portrayed. Bill Tanner had the stage crew and sets well organized. Six new brothers became 32 masons. Preparations have begun for our Fall Reunion. Dennis is working to get more talent into the degrees. Raymond M. Bartle Ross L. Clymer J. Stephen Cummins, II Mark A. Harder Ted S. Kaiser James W. Moran Mark A. Harder, Raymond M. Bartle and James W. Moran, new brothers from Pontiac, IL L to R: Vincent Hogan, CA, James L. Tungate, 33, Tim C. Adams, OH and David Truax, IL. These three brothers traveled to our reunion to see degrees they had not seen. All three men are working to see all 32 degrees in one year. Ill. James L. Tungate, 33 Grand General, Supreme Council, NMJ Charles E. Bartlett, Wardrobe and longtime makeup specialist for reunions Cathedral News 3

4 4 600 Club Membership Application Name (Print): Address: Year Joined the Valley: Payment Method: One payment of $600 Two payments of $300 each Three payments of $200 each Four payments of $150 each Five payments of $120 each 2008 Upcoming Events June July Aug Sept Oct TBA Nov Grand Lodge Golf Outing Illinois Council of Deliberation, Peoria, IL Meeting SRRA - 5:00 PM; No Stated Meeting Illinois Rainbow Grand Assembly-Springfield, IL. Illinois DeMolay Conclave - Eureka College Family Picnic at Scottish Rite Recreation Area, LOP Family Fun Play Day, Grady s Fun Park, Council 7/30-8/3; McLean Co. Fair - Consistory Sponsor 7/31-8/2; Grand York Rite Session - Peoria, IL. Meeting 6:00 PM; No Stated Meeting Scholarship Reception-Consistory Sponsor Clean Constitution Trail-LOP Sponsor Supreme Council - Providence R.I. Labor Day Mtg - 6:00 PM / Stated 7:00 PM - LOP Line NOVAT Unit-10th Annual Bratfest Great Lakes Shrine - Cincinnati, Ohio Valley of Bloomington Heart Walk - Council Sponsor Mtg - 6 PM / Stated 7:00 PM - Council Line Grand Chapter - O.E.S. - Springfield, IL Grand Lodge - Springfield, IL DeMolay Commandery #24 Inspection Mtg - 6 PM / Stated 7:00 PM - Chapter Line Veteran s Day Fall Reunion - BCPA Thanksgiving The 600 Club is an opportunity for you to have a fully-paid life membership and provide the Valley with a stable source of income. The 600 Club is open to all. The 600 Club is permanent. The principal is never to be used. A portion of the interest pays the dues of fully-qualified 600 Club members. The 600 Club is a perpetual investment that promises to 32 Scottish Rite Masons that the Valley of Bloomington will not falter. To join the 600 Club you must be a member of the Valley of Bloomington. Second, you must contribute to the permanent fund of the Valley. Once you have contributed $600 to the PERMA- NENT FUND you are a fully-qualified member of the 600 Club. Contact the Valley Secretary for more information. Reminder: The cost of 600 Club Life Membership increases to $ as of August 1, Deaths James H. (Wimpy) Gordon, MSA, Bloomington, IL Elwood M. Adams, Clinton, IL Albert E. Geske, MSA, Bloomington, IL Harold E. Thomas, Gibson City, IL James F. Koehler, Shawnee Mission, KS Robert E. Jorgensen, Monticello, IL William J. Turpin, Heyworth, IL Donald L. Hall, Cropsey, IL Jasper E. Burrell, Thomasville, IL Byrl B. Jones, Normal, IL George M. Holloway, Lake Bluff, IL Eldon L. Phillis, Pontiac, IL David C. Gillespie, Marseilles, IL Frederick C. Prafcke Jr., Ottawa, IL Deane S. Dix, Marseilles, IL Dec Mtg - 6 PM / Stated 7:30 - Consistory Line MSA Christmas Dinner Bell Ringing - Lodge of Perfection Sponsor Delmar D. Darrah 33 Club Christmas Dinner Mohammed Shrine Election of Officers Christmas LXXX:6

5 Membership Corner by John Dorner When you recount your favorite memories in Masonry, you might start to see a common thread. Whether it was the night you were initiated into the Fraternity, or the first time you had a part in a degree, or the time you and your lodge brothers met to work on cleaning or fixing up the lodge; each event had one thing in common...you were among a large group of your best friends. This is what membership development and recruitment is all about, memories of your best friends. Brethren, if I could ask ONE favor of you to help with membership development, it would be for you to attend as many of our Valley s events as possible! Let your love for the Scottish Rite and your enthusiasm for the programs show when you are back among your Blue Lodge brethren. Tell the story and share your enthusiasm about your membership. As we get into the Summer of distractions, please remember Masonry. I challenge you to share with just one person the joy of what it is to be a Mason. They don t have to agree to join, but share the experience of what we do. If you do it right, they will ask to join - and that s the point. If you don t remember, or are not experiencing the joy of being a member, go to a lodge or Scottish Rite event. Get reinvolved in the organization by getting back in touch with the brothers. We have several events coming this Summer. In the coming weeks you will get a calendar for the Scottish Rite year. If you have not been to an event in a while, pick out just one event and attend. I think you will enjoy the event, and find a way to be at others. We need your fellowship, because that s what makes this organization the best that it can be. Even if you don t choose, or can t choose, to be an officer or committee head, your involvement just by attending is something invaluable to our organization. Lastly, remember that every one of us joined the Rite, because someone asked. Like many, I didn t say yes the first time I was asked. Take the time to personally invite someone to our Rite, even if they have said no before. They just might surprise you and say yes. Enjoy your Summer. I hope to see you at one of our upcoming events. PFC Andrew R. Erickson with father Richard M. Erickson. Private Erickson carried the colors in the 32nd degree. He is stationed in Iraq. Dues Change Notice For those of you that haven t heard, Scottish Rite dues will be going up to $75.00 for this coming year. You may already have received your dues notice before this issue of the Cathedral News arrives. Last year s dues were $ The Supreme Council, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction (our National body) has levied an increase in the per capita fee we are obligated to pay. These fees will be $12.00, up from $8.50, beginning August 2008 and will increase by $3.00 each year through 2013 to $27.00 for each member. The Illinois Council of Deliberation (our State body) increased their fee to $3.00 per member from $1.00 several years ago. So $5.50 of the increase is directly attributable to per capita increases, and the remainder is due to increased operational costs for postage, supplies, salaries, etc. The Board of Directors established a committee to evaluate the impact of these increases. Previously the Valley dues as set forth in the By-laws included the fees assessed for the per capita. If action were not taken, the Valley s income to support our local operations would have been dramatically reduced. The future increases would make this situation worse. Their report recommended, and the membership approved at the May Stated Meeting setting the Valley s dues at $60.00 per year plus the $3.00 Illinois Council of Deliberation and $12.00 Supreme Council per capita fees ($15.00 additional) for a total of $ Any future per capita increases will be similarly applied in addition to the Valley dues. The membership also passed tying the 600 Club Life Membership cost to the then current dues amount. Life Membership will be determined by multiplying the current dues plus per capita fees by 10. So after 1 August the cost of 600 Club Life Membership will become 10 times the total of $75.00 or $ and future increases will be correspondingly factored into the cost. Life Membership remains at the current $ cost until 1 August. These actions were necessary to maintain the financial stability of the Valley while sustaining our National and State organizational obligations. Your Officers will continue to work to operate the Valley as efficiently and effectively as possible. We appreciate your support and understanding as we move forward together. Cathedral News 5

6 Upcoming Valley Activities Valley of Bloomington News Family Fun Day The Council line is having its annual Family Fun Day at Grady s Family Fun Park on July 19th. Come from noon, stay as long as you like. No reservations necessary. Go Karts, Bumper Cars, Mini Golf and rides for the kids. Rates available at -Eric Barringer Birthday Auction The birthday auction at the May 6th stated meeting lead by Gordy Ropp produced $105 for our Scottish Rite charities. The auction at the June 3rd meeting produced $40. Scholarship Reception: Bloomington Masonic Temple Saturday, August 9, 2:00-3:30, Share the pride of being a Scottish Rite Mason. Each year we set aside time to meet face-to-face with our scholarship recipients and their families. In addition to the expectation of officers being present, this is open to our membership. Take this opportunity to be the warm hand extended in friendship. The plan is to hear from a former scholarship recipient. This will be followed by the featured speaker. To obtain more information about scholarships awarded through the Valley of Bloomington, visit www. aasrbloomington.org/charity.htm on the web. Valley of Bloomington Family Picnic Scottish Rite Recreation Area at Lake Bloomington Saturday July 12 Lunch served at 12:00 noon COST: $8.00 person MENU: Fried Chicken Potato Salad Cole Slaw Baked Beans Brownie Lemonade/Ice Tea Please contact Scottish Rite Office ( ) to make reservations All reservations must be in by Monday, July 8, 2008 Pay at the door or send reservations to: Bloomington Consistory P.O. Box 3695 Bloomington, IL Please make checks payable to Bloomington Consistory At Left and Below: Rose Croix Chapter Officers L to R: Robert S. Cunningham, Jeff S. Ready II, Paul J. Dillow, A. Scott Fortney and Bryan M. Darnall. L to R: Bernard E. Maharg, Andrew S. Bender, A. Scott Fortney, Paul J. Dillow, and Bill E. Tanner 6 LXXX:6

7 Barry D. Weer, 33 Theron F. Noth Paul J. Dillow Barry is beginning his 2nd year as Commander in Chief, Valley of Bloomington Consistory, and Deputy s Representative. In 1983 he was elected a Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, 33rd Degree and Honorary Member of the Supreme Council, NMJ. He was raised a Master Mason February 4, 1967, Arts & Crafts Lodge No. 1017, served as Worshipful Master 1979, ; then affiliated by consolidation to Bloomington Lodge No. 43, from 1998 present. Grand Chaplain , Junior Grand Deacon , Senior Grand Deacon In 2007 Barry was elected Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of Illinois. Masonic affiliations - all York Rite Bodies, Bloomington; Mohammed Shrine; St. Edwards Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine. He served in the U.S. Navy, Married to Crystal with three children. Theron F. Noth was raised in Heyworth Lodge #251 on October 20, 1981, and served as Worshipful Master in the years 1988, 1995, 1996, He served as District Deputy for the 7th Eastern District from He became a member of the Scottish Rite Consistory in March 1983 and joined the line in the Lodge of Perfection. Theron has been active in the American Passion Play for the past 26 years. He received his Bachelors degree from North Central College and served in the U.S. Navy as Communications and Legal Officer from He retired from GTE/Verizon in 1993 after 27 years and retired in 2003 from State Farm Insurance Companies. Married for 40 years this past April 5, he and his wife, Fern, have two children, Julie (Mark) Alexander and Scott (Scarlett) Noth, and four grand children. Alana and Malia Alexander, Iris and Oliver Noth. Theron enjoys golf, tennis, bicycling, and traveling. Eric was raised in DeWitt 84 in Clinton. He served as Worshipful Master in He will be Tyler this year. Eric join the Scottish Rite in March of 1999 and soon was invited to join the Council line. Eric is married. His wife s name is Jessica and they have one child named Alex. Eric is employed by the Blue Ridge school district as Technology Coordinator. J. Eric Barringer Paul became a Mason Aug and is a member of Bloomington Lodge #43. This year he is the Senior Warden of Bloomington 43. Paul joined the Scottish Rite March He was appointed Tyler in the Rose Croix line in June In Mohammed Shrine Paul served as Outer Guard and Captain of the Guard. Paul works at ISU in classroom Support. Officers of Valley of Bloomington Consistory Commander in Chief Barry D. Weer, 33 1st Lt. Commander Billy M. Burden, 33 2nd Lt. Commander Robert T. Trefzger, 33 Secretary David E. Young, 33 Orator Roger F, Aukerman, MSA Chancellor Stanley P. Boyd Master of Ceremonies Steven C. Nicholson, 33 Hospitaler Michael R. Fowler, 33 Engineer and Senichal Jim L. Grimm, 33 Color Bearer Danny J. Leifel, 33 Standard Bearer Richard M. Erickson Guard C. Waldon Crouch, 33 Sentinel Norman L. Meade, 33 Director of Work Dennis G. Garrigus Master - Ancient Craft Lodge Robert H. Wright, 33 Master of Kadosh Kenneth W. Smith, 33 Officers of Bloomington Lodge of Perfection Thrice Potent Master Theron F. Noth Deputy Master John D. Dorner Senior Warden Adam E. Young Junior Warden Jeffery J. Fox Secretary David E. Young, 33 Orator Patrick E. Schlehuber Master of Ceremonies Jeffrey A. Henry Hospitaler Eugene J. Long Guard Tyler Steven L. Barr Officers of Zerrubabel Council, Princes of Jerusalem Sovereign Prince J. Eric Barringer High Priest Jerald H. Starks Senior Warden Bernard M. North Junior Warden Richard L. Twedell Secretary David Young, 33 Master of Ceremonies Larry E. Ragland Hospitaler Oliver D. Elder Master of Entrance Michael W. Hiter Tyler J. Stephen Cummins John R. Barringer Officers of Mt. Calvary Chapter of Rose Croix Most Wise Master Paul J. Dillow Senior Warden A. Scott Fortney Junior Warden Bryan M. Darnall Secretary David E. Young, 33 Orator Jeff S. Ready II Master of Ceremonies Bernard E. Maharg Hospitaler Andrew S. Bender Master of Entrance Thomas K. Rockwell Tyler Robert S. Cunningham Bill E. Tanner Cathedral News 7

8 Bloomington Consistory Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite PO Box 3695 Bloomington, IL ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED We re on the Web Vol. LXXX:6 June, 2008 Non-Profit Organization US Postage Paid Bloomington, IL Permit No. 37 L to R: Michael W. Hiter, Larry E. Ragland, John R. Barringer, J. Eric Barringer, Jerald H. Starks, J. Stephen Cummins and, Council officers L to R: Adam E. Young, Ross L. Clymer, Patrick E. Schlehuber, Austin K. Weinberg, John D. Dorner, Theron F. Noth and James W. Moran, Lodge of Perfection officers 8