ORIENT OF THE FAR EAST VALLEY OF OKINAWA JAPAN, REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, GUAM, MAINLAND JAPAN, REPUBLIC OF KOREA.

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1 The PEER GAZETTE A Publication by Deputy, Orient Of The Far East Editor: S.G.I.G. Daniel R. Poole, 33 Publisher: S.G.I.G. Harry Jernigan, 33 FROM THE DEPUTY, S.G.I.G. DANIEL R. POOLE, 33 Greetings Peers: I hope everyone has had a great summer! What a fast moving Spring and Summer we ve had, especially with the United Supreme Council, Grand Lodge Sessions, HRAM Session, and the Imperial Session, time has just moved on fast. Even so, it has been such a pleasure to visit with our Fraters across the globe. We truly have a great Orient with exceptionally great Brothers! We are rapidly approaching our 44th Annual Council of Deliberation, Orient of The Far East, October 10-12, 2014, in Okinawa, Japan, hosted by Keystone Consistory No. 85. I am looking forward to fellowship with each of you that will be at this Session. I am asking each of you who have not registered to please do so to support your Orient Thank You, lets do our part! Harmony being the strength of all Institutions, more especially in ours. We have all heard this passage quoted and emphasized so many times in our Rituals. What makes this harmony so great? I submit to you, it is the differences we have and the professionalism we demonstrate. I liken it to the great Jazz Bands with so many different sounds coming from great instrumental leaders, and ideas coming together to form sweet chords of music to our ears. Thus, like our Orient of The Far East, I see so many leaders among leaders working together in harmony for the common cause, ebbing and flowing right on time, leading and supporting on one accord. That is the strength of our harmony! As we shape our paths for the future, please keep leading in your respective homes, communities, jobs, and everywhere you go. I look forward to seeing you all at the 44th Annual Council of Deliberation, Orient of The Far East. Yours in Service, Daniel R. Poole S.G.I.G. Daniel R. Poole, 33 Deputy, Orient of The Far East May 1 August 31, 2014 Volume II Issue 2 Inside this Issue 1 Deputy, Orient Of The Far East 1 Dates and Times 1 Special Points of Interest 2 Calendar of Events 3 Community Service 4 SPOTLIGHT 33 PROFILE 5 Trust In God 6 United Supreme Council May Grand Inspector General 8 The All-Seeing Eye 9 The All-Seeing Eye Continued 10 General Information 10 Sick and Distress 10 Dues Reminder 10 Membership Roster 11 Prince Hall Creed & Mottos 12 C.I.C. & KOS Information 13 C.I.C. & KOS Information 14 C.I.C. & KOS Information 15 FAR EAST 33RD ADVISORS 16 NOTES Dates and Time Orient Of The Far East 44th Council of Deliberation Okinawa, Japan Host: Keystone Consistory #85 October 10-12, 2014 Special points of interest: Annual Session of the United Supreme Council A.A.S.R., PHA, NJ, USA, Inc. May 22-26, 2015 Chicago Marriott Downtown May 27-31, 2016 Philadelphia Marriott Downtown May 26-30, 2017 Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center Hotel May 25-29, 2018 Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel

2 PAGE 2 THE PEER GAZETTE M A Y 1 A U G U S T 3 1, CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2014 JANUARY HAPPY NEW YEAR 4 Council of Deliberation Officers Meeting 9-11 USC Deputies Conference Philadelphia, PA FEBRUARY HAPPY PRESIDENTS DAY MARCH WELCOME MARCH MADNESS APRIL Far East Council of Deliberation (FECOD) Website Release MAY rd Annual Session of the United Supreme Council A.A.S.R., PHA, NJ, USA, Inc. Millennium Hotel of Cincinnati 150 West 5th Street & Hyatt Regency Hotel of Cincinnati 151 West 5th Street JUNE NO SCHEDULED ACTIVITY JULY th Annual Session, Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Washington State and Jurisdiction, Seattle, WA AUGUST NO SCHEDULED ACTIVITY SEPTEMBER Washington/Oregon State COD Seattle, WA OCTOBER Orient of The Far East 44th Annual Council of Deliberation Okinawa, Japan Host: Keystone Consistory No. 85 NOVEMBER TBA DECEMBER TBA

3 MAY 1 AUGUST 31, 2014 THE PEER GAZETTE PAGE 3 COMMUNITY SERVICE The Sublime Princes of John J. Story Consistory No. 111 dedicate their free time in locations around Japan to help feed and clothe local Japanese homeless people. The Consistory and entire Prince Hall Masonic family have been conducting this priceless charity for two years now, greatly assisting a local Catholic Church in Yokohama, Japan, in directly distributing food and conducting clothing drives on other military installations to donate to this vital effort. Every year when the weather gets cold, a large-scale blanket drive is conducted throughout Mainland Japan through John J. Story Consistory No. 111 and other Prince Hall Masonic Bodies on the Kanto Plain. This project is conducted in concert with lodges from the Grand Lodge of Washington and it's Jurisdiction, as well as, the Grand Lodge of the Philippines, and the Grand Lodge of Japan, who originally founded this project. The charity effort remains a continuous tradition where masons can meet and work on the level and give back to the community to help change lives one meal at a time, and provide clothing and blankets. Fraternally, G.I.G. Miles Hicks, 33 Commander-In-Chief John J. Story Consistory No. 111

4 PAGE 4 THE PEER GAZETTE MAY 1 AUGUST 31, 2014 SPOTLIGHT 33 PROFILE S.G.I.G. VICTOR S. BAXER, SR., 33 Ancient Craft MWGM, MWPHGLW Olympia Chapter No. 2, Order of the Eastern Stars Past Joshua (Rainbow Court No. 2) Heroines of Jericho, A.E.A.O.N.M.S 1988 DDGM, District No. Seven, MWPHGL Worshipful Master Okinawa Military Lodge No Honorary Past Grand High Priest, Junior N. Glenn No. 64, Heroines of Jericho Heroines of Jericho 1972 Raised Orange Valley Lodge No. 13, MWPHGL of California 1958 Scottish Rite Offices Reclassified to Sovereign Grand Inspector General (Emeritus) 2008 Second and First Lieutenant Commander, Hiram Consistory No Coronated Grand Inspector General Southern Jurisdiction 1975 Shrine Offices Honorary Past Imperial Potentate, Obelisk Temple No. 187, A.E.A.O.N.M.S Illustrious Potentate, Obelisk Temple No. 187, A.E.A.O.N.M.S Advisor to Obelisk Court No. 170, Daughters of Isis, A.E.A.O.N.M.S Past Imperial Deputy of the Oasis, Obelisk Temple No. 187, A.E.A.O.N.M.S Career United States Air Force Casualty Branch Mortuary Officer Teacher, Virginia Beach Central Academy Hobbies: Jazz; Music; Reading; Singing; Communicator Sports (Football; Track & Field) Traveling Community Organizations: St. Mark AME Church, Virginia Beach, VA Active Member; Pro Temp Steward Board Life Member NAACP Blacks in Government (Past President) Life Member Tuskegee Airman Organization Life Member Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity American Association of Retired Persons

5 M A Y 1 A U G U S T 3 1, T H E P E E R G A Z E T T E P A G E 5 TRUST IN GOD It is easy to get discouraged when things are going bad. But we shouldn t lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering. Remember, next time your little hut is burning to the ground, it just may be a smoke signal that summons the grace of God. For all the negative things we have to say to ourselves, God has a positive answer for it: YOU SAY GOD SAYS BIBLE VERSES It s impossible All things are possible Luke 18:27 I m too tired I will give you rest Matthew 11:28-30 Nobody really loves me I love you John 3:16 & 3:34 I can t go on My grace is sufficient II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalms 91:15 I can t figure things out I will direct your steps Proverbs 3:5-6 I can t do it You can do all things Philippians 4:13 I m not able I am able II Corinthians 9:8 It s not worth it It will be worth it Romans 8:28 I can t forgive myself I Forgive you I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1 I can t manage I will supply all your needs Philippians 4:19 I m afraid I have not given you a spirit II Timothy 1:7 of fear I m always worried and Cast all your cares on ME I Peter 5:7 frustrated I don t have enough faith I ve given everyone a Romans 12:3 measure of faith I m not smart enough I give you wisdom I Corinthians 1:30 I feel all alone I will never leave you or Hebrews 13:5 forsake you

6 P A G E 6 T H E P E E R G A Z E T T E M A Y 1 A U G U S T 3 1, United Supreme Council May 2014 Photos by G.I.G. Lorenzo Johnson, 33 CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2014 FROM THE DEPUTY AND THE FRATERS OF THE FAR EAST!

7 M A Y 1 A U G U S T 3 1, T H E P E E R G A Z E T T E P A G E 7 Grand Inspector General (Duties and Responsibilities) You have arrived! However, we must ensure you are fully aware of what your investiture means and the responsibilities inherent in the last degree. The Thirty-Third and last degree represents your ascent to the pinnacle of our Masonic Institution. The process of attaining this degree is in itself unique. Your nomination was by other Grand Inspectors General. You were nominated because of your devotion and dedication to Masonic ideals, and because of your demonstrated performance and contributions to the fraternity, within the community, and within society -at-large. You cannot solicit, lobby, or request this nomination. Often, the question is asked, What are the criteria for nomination? The answer is there are no specific criteria except that you be at least 33 years old; however, we desire none to joi n our ranks but those who have proven their fidelity, commitment and zeal, as demonstrated by actions and deeds rather than rhetori c. In simple, you must walk the walk instead of talking the talk. It is clear to us that Masons who are slackers will prove to be the same at this level. You know the expression, A leopard doesn t change its spots. It is imperative that you, as a Grand Inspector General, should recommend only those Sublime Princes who are truly worthy. You must never allow friendship or aspirations of wealth or material gain to influence your nominations. Do not search for Princes to nominate, the worthy will be well apparent to you! All-too-frequently, our Brothers return home and immediately begin to rest upon their laurels. Some even adopt a superiority attitude. The crown does not make the man! The man brings prestige to the crown! In a sense, this degree is not un like your election as Worshipful Master or Commander-In-Chief. Once elected, then the real work begins. Consequently, we expect much of you, for when you accept the crown, you must also accept the responsibilities of the rank and title you will wear. You will be expected to attend United Supreme Council Sessions. In fact, it is mandated that you attend at least every three years. You will be expected to support by registration and or attendance at your Council of Deliberations. What is more important than your annual attendance is what you must do throughout the year! Every Craftsman will look upon you with respect and admiration. They will feast upon your words, actions and deeds. It is more than important then, that you walk upright before God and man, so as to bring nothing but credit upon our God, y ourself and family, and the fraternity. You will be a role model, in this you have no choice! Young Sisters and Brothers will look to you for guidance and wise counsel. As a role model, let your carriage, acumen, demeanor, and character speak for you. You are expected to cheerfully help and assist your Commander-In-Chief and Worshipful Master in his every endeavor. Do not allow your rank and title to intimidate your Brothers. Be very careful that your ego does not swell to require a larger hat size. Walk humbly among your Sisters and Brothers and always remember, you are first and foremost, a Master Mason! Your humility, compassion, and common sense as you interact with your Brothers, should always remind you to stay on a common level. Finally, never ever forget you are here because you are a Master Mason in good standing, and your status wi thin this Council will always be contingent upon your deportment and standing in your Blue Lodge! (Disclaimer: The text of this Article is a compilation of information gleaned from Illustrious Sovereign Grand Commanders, Northern and Southern Jurisdictions. I do not claim it as an original, but simply as information and instruction passed -on to me by Sage and August Bothers.)

8 P A G E 8 T H E P E E R G A Z E T T E M A Y 1 A U G U S T 3 1, The All-Seeing Eye An important symbol of the Supreme Being, borrowed by the Freemasons from the nations of antiquity. Both the Hebrews and the Egyptians appear to have derived its use from that natural inclination of figurative minds to select an organ as the symbol of the function which it is intended peculiarly to discharge. Thus, the foot was often adopted as the symbol of swiftness, the arm of strength, and the hand of fidelity. On the same principle, the open eye was selected as the symbol of watchfulness, and the eye of God as the symbol of Divine watchfulness and care of the universe. The use of the symbol in this sense is repeatedly to be found in the Hebrew writers. Thus, the Psalmist says, Psalm XXXIV, 15: The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry, which explains a subsequent passage (Psalm CXXI, 4), in which it is said: Behold, he that keepeth Israel neither slumber nor sleep. In the Apocryphal Book of the Conversation of God with Moses on Mount Sinai, translated by the Rev. W.W. Cureton from an Arabic manuscript of the fifteenth century, and published by the Philobibion Society of London, the idea of the eternal watchfulness of God is thus beautifully allegorized: Then Moses said to the Lord, O Lord, dost thou sleep or not? The Lord said unto Moses, I never sleep: but take a cup and fill it with water. Then Moses took a cup and filled it with water, as the Lord commanded him. Then the Lord cast into the heart of Moses the breath of slumber; so he slept, and the cup fell from his hand, and the water which was therein was spilled. Then Moses awoke from his sleep. Then said God to Moses, I declare my power, and by my glory, that if I were to withdraw my providence from the heavens and the earth, for no longer a space of time than thou has slept, they would at once fall to ruin and confusion, like as the cup fell from thy hand. On the same principle, the Egyptians represented Osiris, their chief deity, by the symbol of an open eye, and placed his hieroglyphic of him in all their Temples. His symbolic name, on the monuments, has represented by the eye accompanying a throne, to which was sometimes added an abbreviated figure of the god, and sometimes what has been called a hatchet, but which may as correctly be supposed to be a representation of a square. The All-Seeing Eye may then be considered as a symbol of God manifested in his omnipresence his guardian and preserving character-to which Solomon alludes in the Book of Proverbs (XV,3), where he says: The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding (or, as in the Revised Version, keeping watch upon) the evil and the good. It is a symbol of the Omnipresent Deity. Dr. Mackey interpreted the All-Seeing Eye as a symbol of God s omniscience, and in doing so had at the time (about 1870) the support of the Masonic students of his generation. The soundness of that interpretation need not be questioned in the sense that it represents the logical goal toward which any other possible interpretation may be aimed; but it is doubtful if it can be supported by Masonic history. Almost less is known about the symbol (and it is a symbol!) than any other; it did not once come into the purview of the studies on which this Supplement is based, and if any researcher has found anywhere solid data on the origin of the symbol it must be hidden in a book of more than average obscurity. There are a number of considerations based on other known data which throw some sidelights on the question: During the long formative period of the Ritual from about 1717 to about 1770, Lodges were small, convivial, worked while seated about their

9 M A Y 1 A U G U S T 3 1, T H E P E E R G A Z E T T E P A G E 9 The All-Seeing Eye Continued dining table; they were serious, reverent, and the great majority of Masons were members of a church, but they were neither theological nor mystical, and they instinctively shrank from anything which bordered too closely upon the province of the Church. It is a sound rule in the interpretation of the symbols on the Tracing Boards used by those Lodges not to begin by assuming a theological meaning, because as a rule they shrank from theology. In Freemasonry before 1717, they shrank from it even more. They were a Brotherhood, a Fraternity, carrying on the traditions of the building craft, and they never had any consciousness of standing in the tradition of religion. Solemnity, seriousness, symbolism, ritualism, these do not betoken theology because they belong to man by nature and are found everywhere. Though the All-Seeing Eye is one of the religious symbols, it does not follow that the early Speculative Masons used it as a religious symbol. The All-Seeing Eye may have denoted the Divine omniscience. Also, it may have symbolized any one or more of some five or six other truths or ideas. It may have denoted the sun originally, as it came up at dawn it had been thus used by Shakespeare and many other writers. It may have meant the Grand Master or the Worshipful Master, and been a reminder of the fact that wherever a man is and in whatever he may be doing he continues to be a Mason, and the eye of the Craft is on him. It may have stood for enlightenment, wisdom, intelligence; and it may have been the Tracing Board representation of the Blazing Star in the Tessellated Pavement, in which case it was again the sun, or day-star which shines on through day and night. (Note: Until modern astronomy made a number of its difficult facts familiar to everybody, the majority of men did not see any necessary connection between daylight and the sun, because the day begins before the sun appears, and remains after it has sunk.) There are many omnisciences in addition to those known to theology and metaphysics-the omniscience of the law, the omniscience of the Government which keeps its eye on every citizen, etc.; if the first Freemasons had a symbol for omniscience it does not follow that it was therefore the Divine Omniscience that was meant. If their symbol signified the Divine Omniscience it does not follow that it would have had for them a depressing meaning, as if that Omniscience were for no other purpose than a final Judgment Day. Omniscience needs not search a man out in order to condemn him for sins he has tried to hide; it may search him out to honor him for virtues he has tried to hide. The Sword Pointing at the Naked Heart is another emblem which need not have a depressing meaning; it should have, rather, a cheerful meaning, because when justice searches out every heart, it means that men have security, live in civil order, and therefore, can be happy. We could use the All-Seeing Eye as a symbol of the Divine Omniscience, we could use it at the same time as a symbol for what ought to be the Fraternity s own omniscience (the word need not be defined so absolutely as many think it should) in the sense that it never loses sight of a man once that man has become a member, not even if he does not attend Lodge, or is confined at home by illness or accident, or has moved away. Source: Mackey s Encyclopedia of Freemasonry

10 PAGE 10 THE PEER GAZETTE MAY 1 AUGUST 31, 2014 GENERAL INFORMATION SICK AND DISTRESS* FROM THE DEPUTY, The following Brethren of the Orient of Far East are currently ill and or shut in, and experiencing other medical and life challenges: G.I.G. Ernest E. Hunter, No. 85 S.P. Marshall E. Alexander, No. 85 G.I.G. Norman Macon, No. 103 G.I.G. Wayne T. McNeal, No. 103 S.P. Ronald Burris, No. 103 S.P. Leroy Gradney, No. 103 United Supreme Council Holy Empire The United Supreme Council, 33 A.A.S.R. of Freemasonry, PHA, NJ, USA Scottish Rite Cathedral Fitzwater Street Philadelphia, PA (215) (215) Fax 133rd Annual Session of the United Supreme Council A.A.S.R., PHA, NJ, USA, Inc. May 23 May 27, 2014 Millennium Hotel of Cincinnati 150 West 5th Street Cincinnati, OH Govern yourselves accordingly, keeping these Brethren and family members in prayer, and offer your assistance. *Please notify G.I.G. Rodney K. Matthews, 33 at mattdog_388@yahoo.com, of any Sickness and Distress. DUES REMINDER Have you paid your dues for 2014? Your local Consistory Dues should be paid on or before December 31 of each year. United Supreme Council (USC) dues are October to October each calendar year. Far East Commanders of the Rite (FECOR) Dues should be paid on or before January 15 of each year. MEMBERSHIP ROSTER REMINDER Deputy, Orient of The Far East S.G.I.G. Daniel R. Poole, 33 daniel.poole33@gmail.com The Thirty-Third Membership Roster is always a Work in Progress. Please update your current information, e.g., preferred mailing address, preferred telephone numbers (home, cell, work), and preferred address. Please contact S.G.I.G. Harry Jernigan, with your current information: S.G.I.G. Harry Jernigan, 33 hjernigan1946@gmail.com

11 M A Y 1 A U G U S T 3 1, THE PEER GAZETTE PAGE 11 PRINCE HALL CREED I believe in God, the Grand Architect of the Universe. The Alpha of the un-reckoned yesterdays, the Omega of the impenetrable tomorrows. The Beginning and the Ending. I believe in man, potentially God s other self. Often faltering on his way upward, but irrepressible in the urge to scale the spiritual Annapurna s. I believe in Free Masonry; that corporate adventure in universal brotherhood, despising kinship with no child of the All Father. I believe in Prince Hall Masonry; a door of benevolence, securely tiled against the unworthy, but open wide to men of good rapport, whether Aryan or Hottentots. I believe in Masonic Vows; the troths of true men, plighted to their better selves. MOTTOS OF THE SCOTTISH RITE Latin phrases familiar to Scottish Rite Masons: "Deus Meumque Jus"--God and My Right "Spes Mea in Deo Est"--My Hope is in God "Laborare Est Orare"--To Work is to Worship "Ordo ab Chao"--Order out of Chaos "Fiat Lux et Lux Fit"--Let there be Light and there is Light "Lux e Tenebris"--Light out of Darkness "Virtus Junxit Mors Non Separabit" (Whom virtue unites, death will not separate).

12 PAGE 12 THE PEER GAZETTE MAY 1 AUGUST31, 2014 COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF AND KEEPER OF THE SEAL KEYSTONE NO. 85 Valley of Okinawa C.I.C. S.P. Marshall Alexander, 32 KSA Emile P. Peterson, 32 emile.p.peterson@gmail.com Remitting Payment: Keystone Consistory No. 85 Mailing Remittance: Keystone Consistory No. 85 RECOMMEND ANY PERSONAL REMITTANCE MADE OUT TO AND MAILED TO AN INDIVIDUAL, BE SENT BY CERTIFIED RETURN RECEIPT OR REGISTERED MAIL.

13 MAY 1 AUGUST 31, 2014 THE PEER GAZETTE PAGE 13 COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF AND KEEPER OF THE SEAL JOSEPH I. STATON NO. 103 JEROME LIPSCOMB NO. 110 Valley of Republic of Philippines Valley of Guam C.I.C. S.P. Curtis Nelson, 32 C.I.C. G.I.G. Robert Lee Patterson, Jr., 33 curtgolf_22@hotmail.com buddie@ite.net or buddie.patterson@gmail.com KSA Edward Craft, 32 KSA Derrick Dwayne Randle, 32 silverfox666999@yahoo.com ddr36@hotmail.com Remitting Payment: Remitting Payment: Joseph I. Staton Consistory Jerome Lipscomb No. 110 Mailing Remittance: Mailing Remittance: Joseph I. Staton Consistory Jerome Lipscomb No. 110 RECOMMEND ANY PERSONAL REMITTANCE MADE OUT TO AND MAILED TO AN INDIVIDUAL, BE SENT BY CERTIFIED RETURN RECEIPT OR REGISTERED MAIL.

14 PAGE 14 THE PEER GAZETTE MAY 1 AUGUST 31, 2014 COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF AND KEEPER OF THE SEAL JOHN J. STORY NO. 111 J.C. LOGAN NO. 114 Valley of Mainland Japan Valley of South Korea C.I.C. G.I.G. Miles Hicks, 33 C.I.C. S.P. Kenneth R. Dix., 32 jjscno111cic@gmail.com kenneth357dix@hotmail.com KSA Justin Lutze, 32 KSA James B., Gilbert, III, 32 jjscno111@gmail.com misticmm3rddegree@hotmail.com Remitting Payment: Remitting Payment: John J. Story Consistory No. 111 J.C. Logan Consistory No. 114 Mailing Remittance: John J. Story No. 111 Mailing Remittance: James Gilbert RECOMMEND ANY PERSONAL REMITTANCE MADE OUT TO AND MAILED TO AN INDIVIDUAL, BE SENT BY CERTIFIED RETURN RECEIPT OR REGISTERED MAIL.

15 MAY 1 AUGUST 31, 2014 THE PEER GAZETTE PAGE 15 33RD ADVISORS VALLEY OF OKINAWA KEYSTONE CONSISTORY NO. 85 G.I.G. GLENN L. DOWNES, 33 VALLEY OF REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES JOSEPH I. STATON CONSISTORY NO. 103 G.I.G. RONALD U. MUSE, 33 VALLEY OF GUAM JEROME LISPSCOMB CONSISTORY NO. 110 G.I.G. CLIFFTON CLAYBROOKS, 33 VALLEY OF MAINLAND JAPAN JOHN J. STORY CONSISTORY NO. 111 G.I.G. KEN ALSTON, 33 VALLEY OF J.C. LOGAN CONSISTORY NO. 114 G.I.G. LORENZO JOHNSON, 33

16 PAGE 16 THE PEER GAZETTE MAY 1 AUGUST 31, 2014 NOTES