Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry

Transcription

1 Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Carl Smith, 33 Personal Representative of the S.G.I G. (360) Charrison Lochaby, 32 Secretary P.O. Box 1112 Everett, WA Valley of Everett Orient of Washington Volume 15 April 2006 Issue 04 Friday, February 24 th, was a special day for the Valley of Everett! The Sovereign Grand Inspector General for the Orient of Washington, Illustrious Brother William R. Miller, 33, honored the Valley with an Official Visit. The evening was hosted by the Chapter of Rose Croix under the direction of Wise Master, Brother Hernan Divinagracia, 32. Illustrious Brother Miller was received with a formal salutation of 9 candles and 9 swords clashing and mallets beating. He gave a very interesting message about the different generations from which the Brethren of our fraternity come and the challenge Masonry has to offer something of value and great interest to each of them. SHORT CLASS The Valley has scheduled another Short Class for this spring. On the weekend of April 21 st and 22 nd the 4, 14 and 18 will be presented. The 4 and 14 will be conferred Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. preceded by our regular Buffet dinner at 6:30 p.m. The 18 will be conferred Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. preceded by coffee and donuts. The 30 will be presented on the following Friday, April 28 th and the 32 will occur on Friday, May 12 th, with Buffet dinners and meetings at the regular time. With this approach the current candidates who have been participating in the Long Class and the new candidates can all receive their 32 caps at the same time on Friday, June 2 nd, at the annual Feast of Bannockburn. At this time there is only one candidate who has been elected to receive the Degrees at the Short Class so Brethren, if you know of potential candidates who want to join our Valley now is a good time to get their petitions. MOTHER S DAY BRUNCH While Mother s Day may be a little over a month away, it is not too early to announce that the Valley will be honoring mothers with a special brunch. The brunch will be on Sunday, May 12 th, from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Now would be a good time to mark this date on your calendars so that you remember your Lady on her special day. Please let our Secretary, Brother Charrison Lochaby, 32, know if you ll be attending by calling him at or ing him at clochaby@whidbey.com. You will also be able to sign-up at our meetings. Carl B. Smith, 33 Personal Representative of the S.G.I.G.

2 Bro. Charrison Lochaby, 32º SECRETARY S NOTE Forget the hasty, unkind word; Forget the slander you have heard; Forget the quarrel and the cause; Forget the whole affair, because, Forgetting if the only way. Forget the storm of Yesterday. Forget the knocker, and the squeak; Forget the bad day of the week. Forget you re not a millionaire; Forget the gray streaks in your hair; Forget to even get the blues But Don t Forget To Pay Your Dues! (Eric Scottish Rite News) Brethren we are fast approaching tax day, April 15 th and believe it or not, 25 percent of the members of the Valley have not submitted their dues. The valley has 450 plus members and if you multiply by 30 percent, that means 135 plus members have not remitted their 2006 dues, so please check you Scottish Rite Dues Card and insure its expiration date is 2006 and if it doesn t please remit your dues to me as quickly as possible. Editors Note: If your received this document by the U.S. Postal Service and would like to receive via , contact WB Ken Thompson and send me your address so I can put you on my address list. My address is knthom@verizon.net A Masonic Moment Diamonds in the Rough I once took a course in photography that was led by Mr. Tony Spina, who then was the primary photographer for the Detroit News. In one of the first lessons Mr. Spina made a remark that has hung with me like a burr. Turning to the class he said, An excellent picture does not so much depend on the type of camera or lens that you have but upon your imagination. Then he added this punch line. There is a prize picture within 15 feet of anywhere you are standing in any place. You only have to look around and see it. His statement gives meaning to the story of the African farmer who heard of diamonds being found on neighboring farms. Upon hearing this, the farmer became very excited, decided to sell his farm and strike out to see if he could find his own diamond mine and become wealthy. For years he searched but found nothing and in the process became poor. Meanwhile back on the farm, the man who had bought the farm, while fishing in the stream that ran through the farm, found a treasure of diamonds and became extremely wealthy. The one time owner had gone off looking for diamonds and the diamonds were right there, close at hand and on his own farm. How easy it is to be like the farmer looking everywhere for opportunities and all the while opportunities are close at hand and under our own feet. At first we may not recognize them. Diamonds don t look like diamonds at first. They must be cut, shaped, polished to bring out their best reflections and facets. Often our opportunities are in the rough and disguised as challenges, adversity, and hard work. We have to use our initiative, talents, and abilities to recognize, polish and shape them. If we fail to look for opportunities, like not searching for a good picture, we will miss them. The stairs of opportunity Are sometimes hard to climb; And that can only be well done By taking one step at a time. But those who would go to the top Never sit down in deep despair; Instead of staring up the steps, They keep stepping up the stairs. WB Wally Zink Editors Note: Brethren, this publication is an excellent source of material of what is going on in the Valley of Everett. We publish the Calendar of Events for both the Valley of Everett and all Masonic happenings in District Eight. One of the Brethren called to find out what is going on and he was asked, if he had looked at the Rite Bulletin he stated he did not and thought that someone was going to contact him by phone. The Valley of Everett has over 500 members on the roles and it would be an unobtainable task for the Valley to contact each and every member each week to let them know what is going on that particular week. This is why we send out the Valley of Everett Rite Bulletin by both the US Mail and electronically through locally and around the world. I have received many s from Scottish Rite Masons from around the world that have enjoyed what they have read and received several from Iraq in the middle of a war zone thanking the Valley for letting them know what is happening at home and in the Valley of Everett. One especially informed us that he was transferring to this area and was interested in joining our Valley. Brethren one and all, the number one goal for the Valley of Everett is to communicate with the membership and by use of the Rite Bulletin either by or by snail mail (USPS) the Valley is accomplishing it goal. It is up to the Brethren themselves, to open up the pages and utilize this tool. The nonutilization of it by those who receive it means that they are going to miss out the excellent degree work, fellowship, brotherly love and the opportunity to meet and greet old and maybe some new friends. Finally Brethren, I am always looking for good articles especially local ones to publish and to share with you all. So if you would like to see something different in the Rite Bulletin or share an article please send it to me at knthom@verizon.net or mail it to me at Ken Thompson, rd ST SW, Lynnwood, WA

3 Knights of St. Andrew Order of the Thistle By John Hart, 32, Venerable Master This tle [ thíss'l ] (plural this tles) Noun - prickly weed: a plant with prickly stems and leaves. Flowers: dense, rounded, usually purple, flower heads surrounded by thorny bracts. Genera CarduusCirsiumOnopordum. The thistle is the national emblem of Scotland, a tradition that dates back to the time when the Danes invaded Scotland. The Danes were attempting to breach the walls of Staines Castle; their tactic, approach at night with stealth. They would remove their shoes and wade across the moat undetected. To the Danes painful surprise the moat was not filled with water but, thistles. The cries of pain and curses alerted the garrison and the Danes were soundly defeated. On March 3 rd the Knights of St. Andrew Everett Chapter Order of the Thistle had their first stated meeting. There wasn t a moat to fill with thistles or a castle to defend and I am pretty sure the Danes didn t even know about the meeting. None the less if it wasn t for the dedication and help of the members, the meeting wouldn t have been such a great success. The Chapter is alive and kicking, the Knights are gearing up for their rolls in the 29 th degree. To be performed for the first time (I believe) in this valley on March 31 st. DID YOU KNOW? SOLOMON SOL Latin for Sun OM The Hindu sacred word, comparable to the to the Hebrew Jehovah. ON The sacred Egyptian name for God. Council of Kadosh Jim Raymond, 32º, KCCH Hi Brethren: I want to thank all those who elected me to this high honor. I will do my very best. The council of Kadosh is ready and willing to do whatever it takes for us to have a great year. There are many things going on at Scottish Rite Everett Valley. I hope every Brother will take part, not only in its growth, but degrees. At our next council of Kadosh meeting there will be a 29th Degree being put on. If you have never seen one put on come out and watch the degree team in all its glory. A Mason's Wife Author Unknown From active Masons, resolute, Our wives and families we salute; We surely know the price you pay, Who sit alone while we're away; No high degrees on you conferred, In Lodge, your name is seldom heard; You serve our cause though out of sight, While sitting home alone tonight; Masonic papers list our names, Awards are given, fit to frame; But yours is absent...you who strive, To keep our fortitude alive; You're part of every helpful deed, On your encouragement we feed; Without your blessings, how could we, Continue acts of charity? And so, this poem, we dedicate, To every Master Mason's mate; And offer our undying love, Rewards await in Heaven above. I don't like the subtle infiltration of 'something for nothing' philosophies into the very hearthstone of the American family. I believe that 'Thou shalt earn the bread by the sweat of thy face' was a benediction and not a penalty. Work is the zest of life; there is joy in its pursuit. Branch Rickey, Hall of Fame Manager Tuscan Lodge #360, St. Louis, Missouri Degrees and Life Dewey H. Wollstein, P.G.M. 32º KCCH We cannot introduce innovations in Masonry. However, this does not mean that we cannot put something of ourselves in Masonry. It is the responsibility and duty of everyone who has a part in conferring a degree to not only speaks the words but to deliver their meanings. His own heart must reach the heart of the candidate. Together with the words there must be a feeling that the lessons are nor related to life, but are life. Moral lessons are taught to men by good mothers and good fathers. Men are morally qualified before they are qualified to become Masons. The great purpose of Masonry then is to make possible a system of mortal development, which will widen the path of improvement. When the lessons of Masonry fall in the objective of creating a living philosophy, a philosophy that helps to make life a richer, fuller experience, then the greatest good is lost. A great poem becomes even greater when one takes the time and effort to study the state of mind of the author, and more clearly understand the thought and inspiration behind the printed word. So it is with the lessons of Masonry. We must take that, which is warm, pulsating, alive. And drive it into the heart of the candidate. Freemasonry is kindness in the home, honesty in business, courtesy in society, fairness in work, pity and concern for the unfortunate, resistance toward the wicked, help for the weak, trust in the strong, forgiveness for the penitent, love for one another, and reverence for God. Author unknown

4 Valley of Everett Calendar of Events April 07 th Dark April 09 th - Executive Council Meeting 2:00 PM April 14 th Dark April 21 st - Chapter of Rose Croix 6:30 PM Buffet - 4 th and 14 th Degree April 22 nd Chapter of Rose Croix 18 th Degree 10:00 am April 28 th - Council of Kadosh Stated Meeting 6:30PM Dinner 30th Degree May 12 th _ Lodge of Perfection 6:30 PM Buffet 32 nd Degree May 14 th - Mother s Day Brunch - 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM May 19 th - Council of Kadosh/Knight of Saint Andrews Joint Evening 6:30 Buffet May 21 st Executive Council 2:00 PM May 23 rd Public School & JROTC Night - 6:30 PM Punch Bowl Social - 7:00 Ceremony May 26 th Dark June 2 nd Knights of Saint Andrews hosting the Bannockburn Cap & Ring Ceremony 6:30 PM Punch Bowl Social - 7:00 Dinner June 8 th 10 th Grand Communication of the Grand Lodge of Washington in Ocean Shores, Washington June 11 th - Executive Council Meeting 2:00 PM DISTRICT EIGHT MASONIC HAPPENINGS April 2006 Date Time Day Lodge Event 01 8:00 AM Saturday Robert Burns Symbolic Lodge Officers Meeting 04 7:30 PM Tuesday Sultan-Monroe 160 Stated Meeting 7:30 PM Tuesday Crystal 122 Stated Meeting - OVDD 7:30 PM Tuesday Robert Burns 243 Stated Meeting 05 7:30 PM Wednesday Centennial 25 Stated Meeting 7:30 PM Wednesday Alpha Lodge 212 Stated Meeting 06 7:30 PM Thursday Skykomish 259 Stated Meeting :00 AM Saturday Damascus 199 Pancake Breakfast 09 5:00 PM Sunday Crystal 122 Annual Roast Beef Dinner 10 6:30 PM Monday Everett 137 Stated Meeting Potluck Din with the Ladies 11 7:30 PM Tuesday Damascus 199 Stated Meeting 12 7:30 PM Wednesday Arlington 129 Stated Meeting 13 6:30 PM Thursday Peninsular 95 Stated Meeting - OVDD Open 2 nd Degree Special talk from Junior Warden 17 7:00 PM Monday Peninsular 95 Visit job s Daughter 18 7:30 PM Tuesday Sultan Monroe 160 Stated 630 PM Tuesday Crystal 122 Stated Meeting School Awards Night 19 6:30 PM Wednesday Centennial 25 School Awards Night 20 7:30 PM Thursday Skykomish 259 Stated Meeting TBA Thursday Arlington 129 Scholarship Awards 24 7:30 PM Monday Everett 137 Special - Special & Ladies Program 25 7:30 PM Tuesday Damascus 199 Stated Meeting 26 7:30 PM Wednesday Arlington 129 Stated Meeting 27 6:30 PM Thursday Peninsular 95 Special Potluck Din with the Ladies 28 7:00 PM Friday Sultan-Monroe 160 GM Roast & Junior Achievements Awards Note: Brethren take the time to visit your local Blue Lodges and share with then the opportunities that are available to them in our valley

5 Food for Thought by Steve Osborn, 32 In an on line discussion recently the question came up of famous Masons and Masonic participation in the founding of the United States. There have been a number of books published on the activities of Freemasons in the foundation of the United States. Whether apocryphal or not, the fact remains that many, if not a majority, of those involved in beginning the revolution against England were Freemasons. Most had tried for years to get a redress of grievances from England to heal the breach, but when it became obvious that there would not be anything forthcoming save more oppression, they took a lead in declaring our independence. I have heard that, during the Revolutionary War, there were instances of Freemasons, Washington amongst them, who crossed the lines to attend Lodge together with their brethren on the English side and vice versa. That is supposed to be affirmed by signatures in the various Lodge's Tyler's Registers. This is, in itself, a testimony to the strength and integrity of our fraternity. Whether or not Freemasons took the lead, the system of morals and the ideals which formed our nation were Masonic and we can take great pride in that. If our nation were still dedicated to the values of Friendship, Morality and Brotherly Love that were espoused by our Founding Fathers, perhaps we would be living in a different world than we find ourselves in today. Here is a proposal. Masons are found in all walks of life, in every corner of the world. Kings and beggars can meet upon the level and part upon the square. Let every Mason, wherever placed, consciously keep before him his Masonic obligation and act upon it. Base his actions in whatever his field of endeavor, on the values we espouse, not profit or power, but how it will benefit our brothers and our fellow man. Assume, in fact, the stewardship we talk about, to leave this poor beleaguered planet a better place than we found it. Weigh our decisions not upon gaining maximum power or profit, but how our fellow man can be alleviated in his distress. If we can all do this in our private, corporate, political and public lives, we cannot help but better the world in some small way. Just keep our obligation before us at all times and act as though we truly meant it. Many Masons were involved in the creation of the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights, for instance. The values expressed in those documents are all Masonic values. Perhaps we can dust off those documents and use them as a stepping off place to continue to build, not destroy this wonderful planet. It is beautiful and fragile. The human race has so much potential, it just needs guidance. Isn't that what we try to do? To lead by example? Think about it. Bob Larsen, 33º Valley of Everett Degree Schedule March 10, th Degree March 17, th Degree March 31, th Degree April 21, Short Class 4 th and 14 th Degrees April 22, Short Class 18 th Degree April 28, th Degree May 12, nd Degree It will be great if we can have good attendance from Everett at the presentations. In all of the presentations so far the Valley of Everett has done outstanding work. The degree masters and the casts would appreciate the support from all the member of the Valley. Join us and see why we take such great pride in our work. Generosity during life is a very different thing from generosity in the hour of death; one proceeds from genuine liberality and benevolence, the other from pride or fear. Horace Mann

6 Masonic Education FREEMASONRY & SERVICE My brothers, of the many definitions of service found in the dictionary, the following seemed closest to our conception of service. 1. The serving of God, as through good works, prayer, etc. 2. Work done for a master or superior. 3. Helpful, beneficial, or friendly action or conduct; act giving assistance or advantage to another 4. Work done or duty performed for another or others. How can a Mason be of service to the Craft? The answer does not seem difficult at all. We can be of service through Lodge maintenance, committee work, coaching, donations, the line of chairs, and much more. Many of us intuitively feel that it is all service to the Craft, whether the Lodge hands you a broom or a Gavel. Perhaps then there is not much more to say of our service except that the degree of our sacrifice of personal time and effort in service to the Craft is directly proportional to the degree of our love for the Craft. Yet there must be more to this Masonic concept of service to the Craft. Perhaps this particular question does not bring forth the essence of the true Masonic meaning of service to the Craft. Perhaps it should sound more like this - How can I maximize my service to the Craft? Now this is an obviously different question. The answer to the first question may not apply to our new question. The first question implies that a serious Mason will do for the Craft whatever the Mason's talents best suit him for. If he is good at memory work he may gravitate to some need within the Craft which requires a good memory. If he is a handyman, he may become involved in Lodge maintenance. These ways of service would answer our first question - How can a Mason be of service to the Craft? However, the answer to our new question - How can I maximize my service to the Craft, involves the willing and accurate use of all the tools of the Craft which were presented to us in our degree work. Precisely, this question implies the maximization of our abilities. In other words, it requires the personal working knowledge of the twenty four inch gage, the Compass, the level, the Plumb, the square, the trowel, and especially the common Gavel, as we make our rough Ashler into a smooth Ashler and use it according to the designs laid out upon the trestleboard. We are speaking now of the Masonic transformation, that precious refinement of character, that extended process by which we gradually chip away our rough edges and gradually increase to a maximum the quality of our character. During this process we find ourselves gradually more willing and capable of serving in capacities which we were not suited for before we began to learn and apply the tools of Masonry upon ourselves. We may find new abilities developing in interpersonal relationships and thus find ourselves now more suited to serve as a Coach. We may find that we have over come a fear of speaking in public and thus find ourselves now suited to present degree lectures at Lodge initiations. We may find new abilities in organization and thus be suited for organizing degree practices, editorial duties, secretary's duties, or the line of chairs leading to the East of our Lodge. Many, if not most, of us have experienced changes in our abilities in proportion to our personal application of the tools of our Craft. The sincere speculative Mason knows that he must work on himself in order to be of ever increasing service to our Craft, and thus to Humanity. This Masonic transformation of character, this making a good man into a better man, is a gradual process never to be rushed or taken to an extreme. (Prudence: or moderation in all things). From the sweating slow pace of the Entered Apprentice laying out and removing the rough Ashler from the Quarry, to the increasingly discerning pace of the Fellowcraft using the common Gavel to smooth the Ashler, we find the various stages of personal growth in Masonry. Finally, one day we find ourselves in harmony with the calm pace of the true Master Mason sincerely praying to God for guidance before drawing his designs upon the trestleboard. This true Master Mason never sets down the tools of his Craft. He is ever sharpening his discernment thereby continuously divesting his character of all the imperfections, which keep the rough Ashler unsmoothed, and the character unrefined This true Master Mason has adopted the Master's Motto, "Burden me more. because he knows how to use challenges to further refine his character, thus allowing him to be of ever greater service to the Craft. He knows how to practice joyful labor because he has learned the value

7 FREEMASONRY & SERVICE (Continued from Page6) of harmony in his life, and how it truly sets the stage for wisdom, strength and beauty to function through him. He has learned that brotherly love cannot exist without sincere mutual respect. "But", some of us may be thinking, "this is the ideal Master Mason. We are far from that ideal. How can we possibly maximize our service to that extent?" This question could be analyzed in many ways; however, the simple and safe Masonic formula is to first pray to God for guidance in acquiring a working knowledge of the tools of the Speculative Mason. After praying for guidance, pick one tool such as the common Gavel. Learn all there is to know about it physically, and then learn all there is to know about its Masonic symbolism. After this intellectual knowledge is gained, the experiential knowledge will follow as we apply that particular tool to our personal reactions to the situations, which our daily living presents to us. Brothers, let us smooth our individual ashler, for in smoothing our Ashler, we not only do our Craft a great service but ourselves as well, for a rough Ashler, (an unrefined character), can only lead to pain. Profile in Masonry Alexander I, Czar of Russia, banned Freemasonry in 1801; rescinded his order in 1803 and became a member; but again outlawed the fraternity in 1822 A Living Mason His name is John. He has wild hair, wears a T-shirt with holes in it, jeans and no shoes. This was literally his wardrobe for his entire four years of college. He was the top of his class. Kind of esoteric and very, very bright. He became a Mason recently while attending college. After moving to his new town, he finds that down the street from his new apartment is a well-dressed, very conservative Lodge. One day John decides to go there after work. He walks in with shoes, jeans, his work shirt, and long hair. The Lodge has already started and so John starts looking for a seat. The Lodge is completely packed and he can't find a seat. By now the Brethren are really looking a bit uncomfortable, but no one says anything. John gets closer and closer to the East and, when he realizes there are no seats, he squats down right on the carpet. (Although perfectly acceptable behavior at a college fellowship, trust me, this had never happened in this Lodge before!) By now the Brethren are really uptight, and the tension in the air is thick. About this time, the Secretary realizes that from way at the back of the Lodge, a Past Master is slowly making his way toward John. Now the Past Master is in his eighties, has silver-gray hair, and a three-piece suit. A good man, very elegant, very dignified, and very courtly. He walks with a cane and, as he starts walking toward this boy, everyone is saying to themselves that you can't blame him for what he's going to do. How can you expect a man of his age and of his background to understand some college kid in the Lodge? It takes a long time for the man to reach the boy. The Lodge is utterly silent except for the clicking of the man's cane. All eyes are focused on him. You can't even hear anyone breathing. The Secretary can't even continue with the "Minutes" until the Past Master does what he has to do. And now the Lodge watches as this elderly man drops his cane on the floor. With great difficulty, he lowers himself and sits down next to John and welcomes him so he won't be alone. When the Secretary gains control, he says, "What I'm about to say, you will never remember. What you have just seen, you will never forget." "Be careful how you live. You may be the only Mason some people will ever meet." Author unknown- sent to Cinosam by MWB Rod Larson

8 Free and Accepted Masons Scottish Rite Bodies P. O. Box 1112 Everett, WA Non- Profit Org U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 372 Everett, WA April 2006 What is Scottish Rite? Although there is no higher degree than that of Master Mason, the 29 degrees of the Scottish Rite serve to enrich the philosophy of the Symbolic Lodge. A Mason who chooses to further his Masonic experience by becoming a 32 Scottish Rite Mason will be expanding upon the fundamental principles of Freemasonry. The moral and ethical lessons will allow him to be constantly reminded of his duty to God, family, country, and fellow man. IN THIS ISSUE - From the Personal Rep - From the Secretary - Editors Note - Calendar of Events - District Eight Masonic Calendar - A Masonic Moment - Food for Thought by Bro. Steve Osborne, 32º - Masonic Education Freemasonry and Service - District Eight Masonic Calendar - A Living Mason - Degrees & Life by Dewey Wallstein Webmasters Note: Come visit the Everett Valley web site can be located at Rustoleum Masonry, whether it is structural or speculative, needs most to have action. Machines human, mechanical or fraternal will rust out in far less time than they will wear out. (Alberta, G.L. Bulletin Profile in Masonry Gershwin, George American composer who brought jazz idiom to classical music forms in his orchestral works, such as Rhapsody in Blues and composed the scores for many musical comedies. His collaborations with his brother, lyricist Ira Gershwin, include the popular song "Fascinatin' Rhythm" (1924) and the opera Porgy and Bess 1935). We might as well profit by the mistakes others have made for we all will not live long enough to make all of them ourselves Uncle Joe, The Chinaberry Tree Philosopher