VALLEY VOICE. Wishing You All The Best In The New Year

Transcription

1 Scottish Rite Masons and their Families VALLEY VOICE January 2014 Wishing You All The Best In The New Year

2 Valley of Detroit VALLEYVOICE January, 2014 Valley Voice is the official publication of Detroit Scottish Rite. The Bodies of the Scottish Rite, sitting in the Valley of Detroit, State of Michigan, acknowledge and yield allegiance to the Supreme Council, 33 o, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States of America whose Grand East is in Lexington, Massachusetts. Ill. John Wm. McNaughton, 33 o Sovereign Grand Commander Ill. David R. Bedwell, 33 o Deputy for Michigan Ill. William J. Dover, 33 o, MSA Active Member for Michigan Ill. Walter F. Wheeler, 33 o Active Member for Michigan Ill. Robert H. Sale, 33 o, MSA Active Member Emeritus Ill. Erwin W. O Dell, 33 o, MSA Active Member Emeritus Ill. Gerald F. Thorp, 33 o, MSA Active Member Emeritus 32ndDegreeMasons.org All correspondence concerning this Publication should be directed to the Executive Secretary of the Valley of Detroit, Timothey S. Marshbanks, 33 o Mailing Address 907 Monroe St. Dearborn, MI Fax Toll Free valleyofdetroit@32nddegreemasons.org Editor Ill. David R. Bedwell, 33 o dbedwell@ameritech.net Permission to reprint original articles in the Valley Voice is granted to all recognized Masonic publications with credit to the author and this publication. Copyright 2014 Board of Trustees of the Scottish Rite Bodies of the Valley of Detroit On the Cover: Stock photo The Civil War and Freemasonry: An Evening with Brother Michael Halleran Saturday, January 25, 2014 ~ 7:30 p.m. The Valley of Detroit is proud to present Right Worshipful Brother Michael Halleran, Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Kansas, A.F. & A.M., who will present a lecture entitled The Civil War and Freemasonry. RWB Halleran is an American scholar, who writes on Freemasonry. A practicing attorney in Kansas, he received a Master s Degree in American History from the University of Kansas and his juris doctorate from Washburn University, in Topeka, Kansas. He is a member of the Correspondence Circle of Quatuor Coronati Lodge No (United Grand Lodge of England). RWB Halleran is an adjunct lecturer at Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas. He has lectured on 19th century military Masons in both the United States and Great Britain. In 2006 he was awarded the Scottish Rite Research Society s Albert G. Mackey Award for Excellence in Masonic Scholarship for his article on Masonic Courtesy in the American Civil War, and in 2008 he received the Nova Award from Internet Lodge No He is the author of both articles and a book on Masons in the Civil War, as well as a regular column in the Scottish Rite Journal recounting the adventures of Bro. Hiram Brother, a 19th Century Mason. The stories are framed as extracts from Bro. Brother s previously undiscovered journals. This lecture will provide a brief overview on Freemasonry before the Civil War and in the Union and Confederate armies, will detail the response of the Fraternity to the crisis of secession and war, and provide examples of how Masonic brotherhood worked in action on the battlefield and in prisoner of war camps. This lecture is open to all Masons and guests, and copies of RWB Halleran s books will be available for purchase before and after the lecture. Social hour begins at 6:00 p.m., Dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the lecture at 7:30 p.m., refreshments will be available after the lecture. Cost to attend this event will be $25. The first 60 paid reservations will receive a copy of the book (one per couple or single). For reservations please call the Valley office at or via the website 32ndDegreeMasons.org. We will strive to be a fraternity that fulfills our Masonic obligation to care for our members

3 A Special Showing of the 6 o ~ MASTER OF THE BRAZEN SERPENT Tuesday, January 14 ~ 7:30 p.m. The sixth degree is a drama of the human spirit, caught between its own discouragement and fear, and the will and purpose of Almighty God. Man today struggles with the same doubts and fears as did the children of Israel in their desert journey thousands of years ago when they were led by Moses. Reverence for God, one of the core values of the Scottish Rite, NMJ, is dramatically exemplified in this degree. This special viewing is for Scottish Rite Masons only. Refreshments following. For reservations please call the Valley office at or valleyofdetroit@32nddegreemasons.org. Valentines Party & Wine Tasting Tuesday, February 11, 2014 ~ 7:30 p.m. Please join us on Tuesday, February 11, for the Valley of Detroit Valentines Party and Wine Tasting at 7:30 p.m. A variety of wines to sample will be available, and all attendees will receive a door prize. So whether you are looking to expand your knowledge of wine or to enjoy some great fellowship, this event is for you. This event is open to all members and their guests, adults only please. No cost; however, reservations are required. Register through the Valley website or call Join the Valley of Detroit for some Hockey! Detroit Red Wings vs New Jersey Devils Friday, March 7, 2014 ~ 7:30 p.m. $95.00 per person ~ Suite (a $ value) Tickets are limited. Contact the Valley Office for more information

4 Toasting an Historic Pitcher Hilary Anderson Stelling, Scottish Rite Masonic Museum and Library In past centuries, American Masons socialized, celebrated and toasted together all activities that called for drinking punch, wine and other festive beverages. Brethren used pitchers, like this one, and other vessels to share libations in a convivial setting. One lodge historian noted that in the early 1800s, members of Saint Paul Lodge in Groton, Massachusetts, made a drink to the health of every candidate who was initiated, crafted or raised. Lodge inventories taken around the same time show that many lodges were well-prepared to offer hospitality. One Boston-area lodge numbered three twoquart pitchers and six pint pitchers as well as a dozen punch glasses and sixtythree wine glasses among its possessions ample supplies for a lodge of about thirty members. English ceramics manufacturers, working in Staffordshire, Liverpool, Sunderland and other locations, crafted a dazzling variety of transfer-printed earthenware pitchers for the domestic and American markets. Among the thousands of vessels they produced and ornamented, they decorated many with images calculated to appeal to Freemasons, be they beautifying their lodges or their own homes. This pitcher, made around 1800 and colored with a bright, canary yellow glaze, featured two transfer-printed images that were likely interesting to Masonic consumers. On one side, makers ornamented the pitcher with figures representing a lodge Master and lodge Wardens, along with a selection of Masonic symbols and a variation of the arms of the Moderns surround by a fanciful Pitcher, ca England. Scottish Rite Masonic Museum and Library, Special Acquisition Fund, Photograph by David Bohl. border of flowers, elaborate curves and flowing ribbons. Beneath the figures and symbols, are lines from The Entered Apprentice s Song by Matthew Birkhead (d. ca. 1723): The World is in pain the secret to gain for a Free and Accepted Mason that reminded brethren of their obligation. The image on the other side of the pitcher celebrated a feat of engineering and the accomplishment of a prominent Mason. This transfer print showed a bridge, noted as the Iron Bridge Over Wear near Sunderland, also known as the Wearmouth Bridge or the Sunderland Bridge. This all cast-iron bridge spanned, according to the notation on the pitcher, 236 feet and reached 100 feet in height. It linked two communities that had previously only been connected by ferry. When builders finished the bridge in 1796, it was the world s largest single-span cast iron bridge. With an unimpeded archshaped span, the bridge allowed tall masted oceangoing ships to travel freely on the river. These ships carried coal, an economically important product in the area, to London and other areas by sea. Local landowner, Member of Parliament and Mason, Rowland Burdon (ca ) supported the construction of the bridge financially and politically. He also participated in the Masonic ceremonies marking both the laying of the foundation stone of the bridge in 1793 and the opening of the bridge in The latter celebration took place before, what one newspaper of the time described as an immense concourse of people (computed at 50,000 persons). Typically the artists who created transfer prints for ceramics manufacturers used published sources such as book illustrations and membership certificates as their inspiration. As a well-

5 publicized engineering marvel and a source of regional pride, the Iron Bridge both captured the public s and many artists imaginations. Scholars have estimated that over twenty different illustrations of the bridge can be found on different ceramic forms produced in the early 1800s. The engraver who created this image seems to have signed his work with his initials, E. A. As yet, research has not identified this maker. POLITICAL PAYOLA KANGAROO COMEDY KOURT Welcome to Kangaroo Comedy Kourt, where justice is never served but fun and laughs are always on the docket. This one hour event is highly interactive with most roles being played by the participants no script so you never know what the verdict will be. Tuesday March 11, :00 p.m. Scottish Rite Masonic Center 907 Monroe St. ~ Dearborn Hors d oeuvres and refreshments will be served Detail, from pitcher, ca England. Scottish Rite Masonic Museum and Library, Special Acquisition Fund Like all fashions, the vogue for transfer-printed pitcher for use in the lodge or at home, eventually faded. Not only did consumers seek new forms and novel kinds of decoration, but lodge sociability changed. By the early 1820s, many lodges decided to stop serving alcohol in deference to the emerging temperance movement. Many lodges once-prized transfer-print pitchers also fell victim to loss or damage during lodge closures in the anti-masonic era from Luckily, many of these intriguing pitchers escaped the scrap heap and, eventually, regained status as valued possessed in lodges and museum collections throughout the country. If you or your lodge have questions about a historic pitcher, please feel free to get in touch with the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum and Library at and we will be happy to tell you more about your lodge s treasures. There is no cost for this event and is open to all. RESERVATIONS are a MUST Call or via the website 32ndDegreeMasons.org

6 Scottish Rite The First Two Hundred Years By Jim S. Deyo (Continued) We left the discussion last month with the closing of the book on Gourgas with his resignation and retirement as Sovereign Grand Commander. Thus entered a new Sovereign Grand Commander Giles Fonda Yates who had long served with Gourgas. Yates had been crowned a Sovereign Grand Inspector General in 1825, and admitted to membership in Charleston; but in 1828 he transferred his allegiance to the Northern Supreme Council and became an active member. Yates was a lawyer by profession, specializing in pension claims, he was constantly traveling, and spent much time in Washington. Yet it was by means of these travels that he was able to contact Masonic leaders and brethren, and to begin work of propagation which Killian Van Rensselaer carried on so effectively in the fifties. In fact Van Rensselaer could well be termed the St. Paul of Scottish Rite Freemasonry, as he spread the Rite from the Connecticut to the Mississippi during his missionary labors of It is worthy of noting that Yates served for only a short period of time after Gourgas resignation and Edward Asa Raymond was elected as Sovereign Grand Commander in It is interesting for us to note that at the 1851 communication of the Supreme Council of Sovereign Grand Inspectors General of the 33rd degree for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction that District Deputies were appointed to assist the Supreme Council in their arduous duties. As a Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the 33rd degree Killian Van Rensselaer was appointed for the District of Ohio and Western Pennsylvania. Most interesting for members of Columbus is the fact that Ill. Brother Rensselaer reported that brethren of the city of Columbus, Ohio and Pittsburgh, Pa. were duly qualified and powers had been granted them by the Sovereign Grand Commander Raymond for opening a Grand Lodge of Perfection and a Grand Council of Princes of Jerusalem, in the city of Columbus and also in the city of Pittsburgh, Pa In the Supreme Council session in April 1852 Ill. Killian Van Rensselaer reported that the brethren of Columbus have evinced the most commendable zeal and enterprise in their labors. They have fitted up a hall solely and expressly for the use of a Lodge of Perfection and Council of Princes of Jerusalem, and procured the appropriate clothing and furniture in all details. These facts, and the great detail they manifest in not admitting any one, no matter of what rank or station in civil life, unless worthy, will do much to place Sublime Freemasonry on its proper footing in Ohio They already have several applications for the Ineffable Degrees from different parts of the state. Thus was the beginning of what was to be known as Adoniram Grand Lodge of Perfection and Ohio Grand Council Princes of Jerusalem. This was the first entrance of Scottish Rite Freemasonry in Ohio The occurrence of which was probably sometime late in Killian Van Rensselaer Then in December 17, 1852, seven very well known and sincere Masonic brethren traveled to Columbus, Ohio to be initiated into Adoniram Grand Lodge of Perfection and the following day into Ohio Grand Council Princes of Jerusalem, also located in Columbus. The conferral was no doubt by communication by Ill. Killian H. Van Rensselaer, possibly assisted by Ill. William B. Hubbard, 33rd degree. It is possible that some of the members of Columbus were in attendance and might have assisted in the work. However, there is no evidence that they had been active in degree conferral since they had been instituted, probably in late Sovereign Grand Commander Raymond reported in 1854 to the Supreme Council that he had visited the brethren of Columbus and Cincinnati and having inspected their elegant and convenient halls and apartments took great pleasure in saying, that they

7 have my cordial approval. The following report was filed at the annual meeting: Adoniram Lodge, at Columbus, Ohio, for the year ending March 1, 1854 and find that they have fifteen members upon their roll. Annual dues $5.00. The Council at Columbus, Ohio, has done no work the past year, having lost their hall. Annual dues $3.00. Ill. Killian H. Van Rensselaer, 33rd degree in his report to the Supreme Council stated the following in May, The Lodge of Perfection, and Grand Council of Princes of Jerusalem, at Columbus, have done but little work for the past season In consequence of the loss of their Masonic Hall, their beautiful Council Chamber and S.V. have been destroyed, and that beautiful place has become a heap of ruin--not by the element of fire, but by the hand of progress. I am in hopes, by their zeal, the lost time will be regained, and Columbus Grand Lodge of Perfection, and Council of Princes of Jerusalem stand forth in all of their beauty. It was later reported that It appears that the building to which their rooms were situated was torn down or so greatly changed that they could not continue to occupy them, and then, as is too often the case, when they should have stood shoulder to shoulder the demon of discord came among them --and pursuing the history of the Columbus bodies of further--it is our sad duty to end, by saying that they cease to exist and the brethren composing them disappeared from the rolls of Scottish Rite Masonry. Thus ending any possibility of Columbus becoming the oldest continuing Scottish Rite body of Freemasonry in Ohio In the first writing I alluded to the Scottish Rite motto Ordo ab Chao (Order from Chaos). In our next writing chaos is about to rise again in 1860 within the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, and later in Enoch Lodge of Perfection after its institution in (To be continued) Editors Note: Ill. Jim S. Deyo, 33 o, is an Active Emeritus Member from Ohio. Jim most recently served as Lt. Grand Commander for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. He has written a series of articles for the Valley of Columbus s publication on the history of Scottish Rite in the NMJ, and he has graciously allowed me to share them with you over the next few months. Scottish Rite Entered Apprentice Degree The Red Lodge Degree Saturday, February 15, 2014 ~ 3:00 p.m. The Valley of Detroit is proud to present the exemplification of the Scottish Rite Entered Apprentice Degree on Saturday, February 15 at 3:00 p.m. This degree is part of a unique system of degrees conferred by several Lodges in New Orleans. You will notice several differences in terminology, signs, and the layout of the Lodge. This degree is rarely done outside of New Orleans, you will not want to miss this special event. This degree is for educational purposes only and not an actual conferral. Following the degree, a brief presentation on the history of the Scottish Rite Craft Degrees will take place, and refreshments will be available. This event is open to all Masons in good standing. To make reservations please go to the Valley website or call College Scholarships Available Its time again to apply for the Scottish Rite College Scholarships. Each year the Valley of Detroit provides thousands of dollars to deserving college students from all over our jurisdiction. The scholarships are awarded to Masonic affiliated applicants and are based on academic achievement, participation in worthwhile activities, financial need, and/or self-help. Minimum requirements are GPA 3.0, ACT 22, SAT In addition, the scholarships are available for not only entering freshmen, but also students who have already started their undergraduate studies. If you know of any deserving student who could benefit from these scholarships, please encourage them to contact the Valley Office. The deadline for all applications is February 24, 2014, and the student must request an application by letter, fax or .

8 The Board of Trustees of the Scottish Rite Bodies of the Valley of Detroit 32 o Masons and Their Families 907 Monroe Street Dearborn, MI Dated Material - Please Do Not Delay Support Your Club Blue Water Club Bernie Kirchoff Port Huron Masonic Temple Rear Door - Lower Level 927 6th Street Port Huron, MI rd Monday, 6:30 P.M. Macomb Club Al McKay, MSA Roseville Masonic Center Gratiot Ave. Roseville Last Saturday, 9:00 A.M. Oakland Club Dennis McWilliams Jimi s Restaurant 714 S. Washington Royal Oak 2nd Monday, 6:15 P.M. Club of the Lakes Les Ferguson Pinckney Masonic Center 210 Mann St. in Pinckney 3rd Sunday, 11:00 A.M. Downriver/Monroe Club Michael J. Stetz, 33 o Leon s Family Dining Michigan Ave. in Dearborn 2nd Saturday, 9:00 A.M. Jackson Club Ken Strobel The Country Café 1701 Mitchell Street - Jackson 2nd Sunday, 8:30 A.M. Calendar January Valley Meeting 6 o Master of the Brazen Serpent 16 Board of Trustees 25 Mike Halleran Lecture February Valentines Party / Wine Tasting 15 Scottish Rite Craft EA Degree (Reception) 23 to 3-2 Caribbean Cruise for AASR March Red Wing Hockey Game 11 Valley Meeting ~ Kangaroo Kourt 20 Board of Trustees 6:00 p.m. April An evening with WB Tim Hogan 19 Easter Eve Service 26 SPRING REUNION May Annual Valley Meeting 15 Board of Trustees 17 Officer Installation