A Quarterly Publication of the Valley of Wheeling Orient of West Virginia. Historic Swearing-In Ceremony at the Scottish Rite Cathedral

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THE RITE TIMES A Quarterly Publication of the Valley of Wheeling Orient of West Virginia Lux E Tenebris Winter 2013 Historic Swearing-In Ceremony at the Scottish Rite Cathedral Wheeling, WV.

Jackson (Jack) Yost, 33 o the Sovereign Grand Inspector General (SGIG) for the Orient of West Virginia was sworn-in on January 2 nd for his second term in the West Virginia Senate in a historic

1 THE RITE TIMES A Quarterly Publication of the Valley of Wheeling Orient of West Virginia Lux E Tenebris Winter 2013 Historic Swearing-In Ceremony at the Scottish Rite Cathedral Wheeling, WV. Illustrious H. Jackson (Jack) Yost, 33 o the Sovereign Grand Inspector General (SGIG) for the Orient of West Virginia was sworn-in on January 2 nd for his second term in the West Virginia Senate in a historic ceremony at the Valley of Wheeling s Scottish Rite Cathedral. The oath was given by the Honorable David J. Sims, Judge of the First Judicial Circuit. The vivacious and very lovely Chris Yost held the Holy Bible from the Lodge of Perfection for which her husband and our SGIG placed his left hand while taking the oath of office. Those in attendance included past State Senator John Chernenko, 32, KCCH, the Mayor and Magistrate from the City of Cameron, the Honorable Julie Beresford, and a host of Brothers from throughout the Valley. Illustrious H. Jackson Yost 33 o SGIG takes the oath of office for his second term in the Senate. Photo by Brother Chuck Ryan, 32 o. A reporter from the Wheeling Intelligencer and a camera crew from Channel 7 were also present to document this historic event. Senator Yost represents District 1 which encompasses Brooke, Hancock, and Ohio Counties. Senator Yost is presently the Chair of the Labor committee, Vice Chair of the military committee, and is a member of the Energy, Industry, and Mining Committee, the Government Organization Committee, Finance Committee, the Health and Human Resources Committee, and is the Chair or member of numerous interim committees in the Senate. In the celebratory words of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, we offer our Senator, our SGIG, and our very dear friend HUZZAH! HUZZAH! HUZZAH! Inside This Issue: Comments & Observations I am the Scottish Rite Brother Lindbergh and Illustrious Brother Pershing Helping Children Topic at December Meeting Send Us Your ! The SGIG s New Office Space Building Update The Almoner Calendar of Events Page

2 COMMENTS & OBSERVATIONS I had lunch a few weeks ago with a scientist from Houston, Texas to discuss new methods for detecting oil and gas in the black shale rock formations that are present approximately 7,000 to 12,000 feet beneath the panhandle of West Virginia and beyond. My lunch guest has been using recently declassified satellite imaging technology, declassified undersea navigation technology from our submarine fleet, and other fascinating (and declassified) methods from various government agencies to remotely map these oil and gas deposits. The innovation behind the development of this technology is pure American ingenuity born out of need from great conflicts, such as World War. We left the restaurant and continued our discussion as we walked to our vehicles and stopped at my pickup truck. He looked down at my Scottish Rite hitch cover and asked are you a Freemason? Turns out he is a past master of his Lodge and also a member of the Southern Jurisdiction of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. We discussed each others Masonic biographies and then he asked me a very interesting question: have I met many Brother scientists? No, not many I replied. Then he asked me why I thought more scientists were not Freemasons? I said that in my opinion there is a social stigma associated with the belief in God amongst the scientific community. My new found Brother sadly agreed and we parted company shortly thereafter. Freemason scientists and philosophers founded the Royal Society in 1646, which is the birthplace of modern scientific thought, discourse, and protocol, and also the oldest scientific and philosophical academy in continuous existence in the world. The science from the Royal Society (the seven liberal arts) in equilibrium with spiritualism, mysticism, and philosophy from Freemasonry provides an excellent blueprint for pursuit of the key to the mysteries. The existence of God continued to be a part of science through the World War II era when scientists and physicists such as Einstein, Born, Dirac and Planck were not afraid to mention the possibility of God s purpose (Lomas, 2011). Brother Dr. Robert Lomas, author & physicist states that the generation of scientists who came after these WWII icons are encouraged to ignore spirituality creating what he refers to as a period of neo-atheism where mention of God is academically dangerous, akin to the threat of being labeled a heretic in medieval times. Brother Lomas presents a discussion of this in his most recent publication. Our Brothers that formed the Royal Society pursued a life-long learning quest to better understand nature, the order of the universe, and ultimately to understand God. As Freemasons, it is our duty to foster self study and life-long Masonic learning in our new Brothers so that they can attain a personal understanding of God. To accomplish this, we need a mentoring program to keep our new Brothers engaged and involved. Mentoring takes many forms from making sure our new Brothers attend our meetings, to introducing them to the Brotherhood each time they attend (Illustrious Brother Harold Hays, 33 o is a master of this technique), to discussing some of the ritual work you have personally been involved with, to recommending Masonic books for them to read. Join me in becoming a mentor to keep our new brothers on the pathway to equilibrium and more light in Masonry. Please send an to me or to our new Valley membership chairman Dan Robinson (shmarie@comcast.net) to volunteer for this very worthwhile task. I m Dr. Tom Jordan, 32 o. I m a scientist and a Scottish Rite Freemason. Feel free to contact me at tejordan@verizon.net or by phone at Spes Mea in Deo Est! Page 2

I am the Scottish Rite: Valley of Wheeling Illustrious Brother Butch Brown, 33 Valley of Wheeling

that Brother Roger Frame, 32o has accepted the position of General Secretary for The Scottish Rite,

Roger has hit the ground running by taking on the task of compiling and updating our membership

He has already proven to be a great asset to our Valley. Please email Roger at rframe0@comcast.

Brother Chuck Ryan, 32o, Assistant Treasure, Valley of Wheeling Brother and Major Tony Assaro, 32o,

Brother Rob Govey, 32o, Wise Master, Chapter of Rose Croix Brother Johnny Bitzer, 32o (right)

3 I am the Scottish Rite: Valley of Wheeling Illustrious Brother Butch Brown, 33 Valley of Wheeling Personal Representative for the SGIG for the Orient of West Virginia, announced on December 5th 2012 that Brother Roger Frame, 32o has accepted the position of General Secretary for The Scottish Rite, Valley of Wheeling. Roger has hit the ground running by taking on the task of compiling and updating our membership database with addresses to improve and expedite announcements and communications. He has already proven to be a great asset to our Valley. Please Roger at rframe0@comcast.net for well wishes and to assist him with updating his membership database. Brother Chuck Ryan, 32o, Assistant Treasure, Valley of Wheeling Brother and Major Tony Assaro, 32o, Commander, Council of Kadosh Brother George Birklein, 32o, Venerable Master, Lodge of Perfection Brother Rob Govey, 32o, Wise Master, Chapter of Rose Croix Brother Johnny Bitzer, 32o (right) congratulates Brother Dan Robinson, 32o for accepting the position of Membership Committee Chairman for the Valley of Wheeling. Contact Brother Dan at shmarie@comcast.net or call for a copy of our revised Petition for Degrees form and to congratulate him. Page 3

very old pictures hanging on the wall. What they had found, were an autographed picture of Brother Charles A. Lindbergh and a picture of Illustrious General John J. (Black Jack) Pershing, 33 o.

4 Brothers Charles A. Lindbergh and Gen. John J. Pershing by Chuck Ryan, 32 o While working in the Library at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, Brother Chuck Ryan, 32 and our SGIG Illustrious Jack Yost, 33 noticed an old, battered picture frame with two very old pictures hanging on the wall. What they had found, were an autographed picture of Brother Charles A. Lindbergh and a picture of Illustrious General John J. (Black Jack) Pershing, 33 o. After much research, it was discovered that Colonel Lindbergh had in fact attended a reception held in his honor, at the Scottish Rite Cathedral on August 4, 1927 where he spoke about the need to develop the air transportation industry. There were 850 people in attendance, and at 7:30pm Charles A Lindbergh autographed his picture. The visit was part of a three month tour of the 48 states via his Spirit of St. Louis airplane to celebrate his 3,600 mile trans-atlantic flight from New York to Paris on May 20, Brother Lindbergh was raised as a Master Mason in 1926 at Keystone Lodge #243 in St. Louis, Missouri. A detailed account of his visit to Wheeling by way of Langin Field in Moundsville can be viewed on the internet at the following website: moundsville.asp The picture of Illustrious Gen. Pershing was sent to Bro. Thomas S. Meek, General Secretary, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Valley of Wheeling, along with a letter thanking the Scottish Rite for electing him a Life Member of all four bodies of the Scottish Rite in Wheeling. The letter which is framed along with the photograph is dated June 8, 1920, and is signed John J. Pershing. General Pershing received the 33 rd degree in General Pershing was made a Mason in December 1888 in Lincoln Lodge #19, Lincoln, Nebraska. Senator Harry S. Truman presented Pershing a certificate as an Honorary Member of the Grand Lodge of Missouri (Pershing's home state). He was also a member of the Royal Arch and Knight Templar Commandery (both 1894 in Lincoln, Nebraska), and the Shrine. General Pershing was promoted to the highest office possible, General of the Armies in recognition for his distinguished service during World War I. Since these pictures are such a valuable part of our Scottish Rite history, and have significant monetary value, it was determined that they should be properly preserved. Chuck Ryan agreed to get the pictures reframed, and with the permission of SGIG Jack Yost, 33 the pictures were taken to a professional where they were placed in new, custom frames with new matting and covered with special protective glass. The new framing was completed compliments of Bro. Chuck Ryan, and are now hanging in the new office of H. Jack Yost, 33 SGIG for the Orient of West Virginia. The Mason must first attain a solid conviction, founded upon reason, that he hath within him a spiritual nature, a soul that is not to die when the body is dissolved, but is to continue to exist and to advance toward perfection through all the ages of eternity, and to see more and more clearly, as it draws nearer unto God, the Light of the Divine Presence. Albert Pike (1871). Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry (p. 721). Kindle Edition. Page 4

Kathy Shapell from the Augusta Levy Learning Center (ALLC) presented a very informative talk on children with autism at the Valley of Wheeling s December meeting. Ms.

5 Therapy for Children with Autism Topic at December Meeting By Roger Frame, 32 o Ms. Kathy Shapell, Executive Director of the Augusta Levy Learning Center in Wheeling. Ms. Kathy Shapell from the Augusta Levy Learning Center (ALLC) presented a very informative talk on children with autism at the Valley of Wheeling s December meeting. Ms. Shapell s talk provided background information on autism, her organization s approach, therapy, and treatment of children 18 months to eight years old, the individual triumphs and success stories, and the challenges that her organization continues to confront. Ms. Shapell stated during her talk to the Valley of Wheeling that nearly all of the children who attend ALLC are nonverbal when they first enroll and do not appear to understand language. They do not learn from the natural environment like their neurotypical peers do. So, they have to learn how to learn. It is a long, demanding process that requires hours and hours of one-on-one intervention. Children receive 35 hours a week of the intensive one-on-one therapy, called Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), at the Center, and their parents are trained to carry it over into their homes and the community. This commitment to best practices has resulted in notable outcomes for their children. Two-thirds of their graduates are now successfully attending regular education classrooms with no supports and all have made notable progress. ALLC was established in June 2005 as the only evidence-based autism treatment program in West Virginia. Recognized as a leader in the state, the Center s year-round program is the largest ABA provider in West Virginia. The ALLC is located at 99 North Main Street in Wheeling. More information on their organization can be obtained by visiting their website at Send your address to our Brother Roger Frame, 32 o at rframe0@comcast.net and receive a digital copy of this and future newsletters in living color with active hyperlinks to the internet for the rest of the story! Sending this newsletter to you via can save your Scottish Rite Valley of Wheeling many hundreds of dollars. Page 5

Building Update! SGIG Office: There are several projects underway at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Wheeling. One of these projects is the refinishing and decorating of an office for Illustrious H.

Brothers Butch Milbert, KCCH and Joe Myers, KCCH completely painted the office, then everything was thoroughly cleaned and new carpet was installed.

The Building Fund and External Repairs Our Brotherhood has donated a total of $10,150 to date to the Building Fund. All money collected goes towards the repair of our grand Scottish Rite Cathedral.

6 Building Update! SGIG Office: There are several projects underway at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Wheeling. One of these projects is the refinishing and decorating of an office for Illustrious H. Jack Yost, 33, Sovereign Grand Inspector General (SGIG) for the Orient of West Virginia. Brothers Butch Milbert, KCCH and Joe Myers, KCCH completely painted the office, then everything was thoroughly cleaned and new carpet was installed. We are very proud to have the office of the SGIG in the Valley of Wheeling, the location where Scottish Rite Freemasonry was first established in the State of West Virginia. The Building Fund and External Repairs Our Brotherhood has donated a total of $10,150 to date to the Building Fund. All money collected goes towards the repair of our grand Scottish Rite Cathedral. Photographs shown document the damaged building façade prior to the start of work this past summer and the completed façade as of January The exterior is looking great! We have a new roof and the building s exterior has been secured, restored, and preserved, with the exception of our stunning 33rd degree eagle overlooking the front entrance. This statue will undergo repair and new display lighting once weather conditions permit and the results should be spectacular. Damaged building façade prior to the start of work. Photograph by Bro. Chuck Ryan, 32 o Repaired building façade as of January 6, Photograph by Bro. Chuck Ryan, 32 o Now it s time to focus on the interior. Years of neglecting the roof has resulted in water damage to portions of plaster ceilings, walls, and ornamental painted features. Our plan is to focus on completing one floor at a time starting with the library and the kitchen and working our way up. We are making some real strides in progress and things are starting to look great which generates greater enthusiasm and drive. We have assembled a great restoration team of Brothers but can always use another hand. We will communicate future work day schedules to the brotherhood and hope that you can join us in restoring the polish and sparkle that lies just under the surface of our architecturally magnificent cathedral. Page 6

The Seven Liberal Arts Our Brothers that founded the Royal Society are thought to have been instrumental in reshaping our craft into a modern form where, amongst the symbolism and beautiful allegory,

7 The Seven Liberal Arts Our Brothers that founded the Royal Society are thought to have been instrumental in reshaping our craft into a modern form where, amongst the symbolism and beautiful allegory, we are commended to learn the seven liberal arts. The objectives of the founders of the Royal Society were in part to promote lifelong learning beyond what was then restricted to the idle rich and those in positions of power. These seven liberal arts are presented again in our Scottish Rite degree work where they are shown to be in equilibrium with spiritual concepts from the Kabalistic tree of life. This equilibrium is presented in the form of a mystical step ladder where the seven rungs on one side represent the seven liberal arts and the seven rungs on the other side represent the tree of life. Illustrious Brother Pike in his collection of writings in his Legenda text states You conclude that, in this Degree, the words on the seven steps of the Ladder mean something more and higher than the mere elementary Sciences of which they are the names. You are right " These Seven Liberal Arts are steps to ever larger vistas of God and Creation (Worrel, 1997). The Almoner The Alms or Mason s Box originated in the Lodges of Scotland during the 17th century. The Almoner is an officer of the Scottish Rite bodies who is elected by the brethren. His duties are to disburse the monies of the fund by assisting those found worthy, Masons and non-masons alike. It is hoped that each gift will bring an individual or family a renewal of faith and strength by knowing that someone cares. Illustrious Brother Gary Meador is the Almoner for our Valley of Wheeling. Please contact Brother Gary at or at GRMHOOK@comcast.net if you, a family member, or someone you know is in need of assistance. Brother Gary will be forthright in all communications with you and your information will always be held in strict confidence. Announcement! Illustrious Brother Butch Brown 33 Valley of Wheeling Personal Representative for the SGIG for the Orient of West Virginia, announced that Ms. Marlene Guggenheimer has accepted the position of Personal Secretary to the SGIG and will start work immediately. Welcome aboard Ms. Marlene! Freemasonry has impacted the evolution of civil society for several hundred years. It has changed significantly, the course of civilization. It has influenced the development of some of the greatest men who have ever lived and there-in lies our purpose beyond all others, to continue to contribute to the development of great men. These great men will then influence the ongoing evolution of civil society. Make no doubt about it, my brothers, were it not for Freemasonry this world would be a vastly different place. Brother Thomas W. Jackson, Past RWGS Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, The World s Freemasonry, 2012, The Journal of the Masonic Society, Issue 17. Page 7

8 Scottish Rite Temple P.O. Box 6542 Wheeling, WV CALENDAR OF EVENTS January 24 Scottish Rite Club of Brooke / Hancock Counties Meets the 4 th Thursday at 6 pm at Wellsburg Lodge #2 Social Hall. Contact Brother Robert Govey Club President at for more information. 24 Scottish Rite Club of Marshall County will meet at 6 pm at the Guest House Restaurant in Moundsville. This will be a ladies night, so bring your lady for an evening of good food & fellowship. Contact Brother Chuck Ryan, Club President at cryan697@comcast.net or by cell or text to for reservations. February 06 Valley of Wheeling Monthly Meeting. Call for Dinner Reservations nd Degree Team Practice at 12 noon at the Wheeling Scottish Rite Cathedral. Lunch and really bad (but very funny) humor provided free of charge. 28 Scottish Rite Club of Brooke / Hancock Counties at 6:00 pm. 28 Scottish Rite Club of Marshall County Meets the 4 th Thursday at 6 pm at Marshall Un ion Lodge #8. Contact Brother Chuck Ryan, Club President for more information. Page 8

Let the Degree s Begin!

Valley of Bremerton, Scottish Rite, AASR Let the Degree s Begin! 4 th Degree March 21 st, 2018 Illustrious James N. Reid Jr. 33 rd Degree, Personal Representative 1 P age Degree s of the Rite s 2 P age