4th Annual Topeka Valley RiteCare Golf Tournament

Transcription

1 Topeka Scottish Rite Bulletin V a l l e y o f Volume 85 S outhern T o p e k a - Topeka, Kansas Jurisdic ti on of O r i e n t o f K a n s a s Number 3 September 2010 the United States of Americ a The Topeka Valley of the Scottish Rite Proudly Supports the Schiefelbusch Speech, Language & Hearing RiteCare Clinic 4th Annual Topeka Valley RiteCare Golf Tournament Western Hills Golf Course September 17, 2010

2 From the cover: 4th Annual Topeka Valley RiteCare Golf Tournament Everyone knows that the Topeka Valley of the Scottish Rite Bodies supports the four clinics in Kansas who are commonly known as KU Medical Center Hearing and Speech Clinic, University of Kansas Schiefelbusch Speech-Language- Hearing Clinic, Wichita State University Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic, and Ft. Hays State University Herndon Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic. Each member of the Scottish Rite gives $5 each year to the Scottish Rite Foundation which in turn donates money to each of the four clinics each year in two installments. Each member can donate more money by contributing to the Kansas Scottish Rite Foundation in addition to his dues or anytime throughout the year. Additionally, the Wichita Scottish Rite has a Chocolate and Champaign Dinner annually for the Wichita State University Clinic. The Northeast and Leavenworth Scottish Rites contribute to the KU Medical Center money for an outreach program that runs throughout the year. The Topeka Scottish Rite Valley holds an annual golf tournament which helps the Schiefelbusch Clinic at the University of Kansas. We have held the golf tournament for three years and have donated $15,500 to Schiefelbusch during this time. We are trying to earn more than $7,000 this year to top what we did last year. We need help in order to accomplish this goal. What we need is for everyone to talk with their golfing friends and encourage them to play in our golf tournament. We have never had any more than 24 players in any year., and we have spots for 72 players. The entrance fee is $90 and it includes a round of golf w/cart, lunch, and dinner for the golfer. The golfer can add $20 more and have his wife join him for the silent auction and a steak dinner catered by Abouds. We have some very interesting items, such as a Wyndham vacation condo for four anywhere in the U.S., a Puerto Vallarta condo for one week in December 2010, sports items from K.U., and as always, a hand carved duck that has been donated to the silent auction by generous people. Also, if you do not have time to golf or come to dinner you can donate money yourself or help in administering the golf tournament. Please help us to make this golf tournament a success. The Significance Of Our Scottish Rite Hats I have been asked to give the members an overall review of the different hats as worn to our meetings and Scottish Rite functions: the significance of each one a n d h o w a m e m b e r becomes eligible to wear it and the appropriate time and place to wear the hat Paul A. Mac McAlister, 33 will be explained. The first hat a member can wear is the Black Hat. Once a member has received the 32nd degree in the Scottish Rite Bodies, he is eligible to wear this hat. The cost of the hat is included in the initiation fee he pays to make him eligible to take the Scottish Rite degrees and is given to him at the conclusion of the 32nd degree conferral. The Red Hat signifies this member has been awarded the designation of Knight Commander of the Court of Honour, commonly referred to as K.C.C.H. This is not a degree but is an honor that is given to this individual for extraordinary service he has done for the Scottish Rite Bodies and/or Masonry. Conferral of this honor carries 2 no inference that the member will receive a 33rd degree at a later date. The White Hat denotes this member has been awarded an Honorary 33rd degree. In selecting candidates for this honor consideration is given for the member s work in the community as well as his work in the Scottish Rite Bodies. This is an actual degree even though it is awarded as an honor and it is conferred as a degree, as are our other degrees. Further explanation of this will be given later in this report. In order to be eligible for the 33rd degree you must have worn the Red Hat for four years before you can be considered for this honor. These honors are ones which must be earned by you. If a member asks for the honors, such a request will no doubt place him in a position where he will never be a recipient of these honors. A member may suggest the name of another member to the Personal Representative for consideration; however, if a campaign is started for a member, the results will be the same as outlined above. The candidates who receive the Red and White Hats are elected bi-annually by the Supreme Council in October in the odd-numbered years. Traditionally, the next election will be held in October, 2011; however, this

3 election has been moved to August, 2011 by the Supreme Commander, Ill. Ron Seale, 33. Prior to the Supreme Council meeting in the oddnumbered years, Don Mahrle, our Personal Representative to the Sovereign Grand Inspector General, commonly referred to as the S.G.I.G., for the State of Kansas, must make his selection of those members he feels are qualified to receive these honors. Once those selections have been made, they are sent to the S.G.I.G. for the State of Kansas for his approval. The S.G.I.G. then forwards them to the Supreme Council prior to the bi-annual election. At their bi-annual election the Supreme Council votes upon the proposed candidates and their names are then entered in the appropriate records book. These books are then brought down to the Lobby of the Temple from the Supreme Council Chambers. At this time our Personal Representatives are allowed to review the books and determine if our candidates have been elected. Some Consistories allow these names to be published on the Supreme Council website, but not Kansas. The candidates to receive these honors are notified by a letter from the S.G.I.G., Hugh Gill of their election. They will also receive a letter from our Personal Representative, Don Mahrle, regarding the investiture which is held in Wichita at the Scottish Rite Center and is followed by a banquet where dress is black tie. This investiture is usually held in November; however an earlier date may be set for 2011 due to the change to August for the bi-annual election. The candidates must have the appropriate red or white hate for this investiture. These hats are purchased from our Secretary. If the hats do not arrive prior to the investiture, then the candidate should arrange to borrow a hat from another member who is a red or white hat. In February following the investiture, the recipients of the K.C.C.H. and 33rd degree and their ladies are guests of honor at a Red & White Banquet hosted by our Valley. Thus along with the honor there is a great deal of pomp and circumstance that goes along with receiving these honors and makes it a very special occasion in their lives. In 1993 when I received my Red Hat, this was the first year that the members ladies and other guests were allowed to attend the Investiture for the K.C.C.H. Since this does not involve a degree ritual, a decision was made to open up the Investiture to include these guests. The 33rd degree is conferred as a degree and therefore according to the rules of the Scottish Rite, it cannot be opened up to those who do not hold this degree. Only 33rd degree members and the candidates are eligible to participate in the conferral of this degree. The last hat is a pale Blue Hat which is worn by our 50- year members. It is also a real distinction to be able to wear this hat because if you did not become a Scottish Rite member prior to attaining the age of 20- to 30- something, your chances of wearing this hat are greatly diminished. If a member has a 33rd degree he may elect to continue to wear his White Hat in place of the 50 year hat. He can affix a 50 year pin to his White Hat to show his status of being a 50 year member. Therefore, it is possible to have more 50 year members at our functions than is actually depicted by the Blue Hats which are being worn by the 50 year members. All of these hats may be worn to any of the Scottish Rite functions which are held at our Center or any other Center where you are attending their Scottish Rite functions. The hat was originally worn as a prayer hat and was therefore worn only when the members were in the Center. These hats should not be worn until you are inside the Center and should be removed before you leave the Center. If you ever visit the Wichita Center you will find they have members at the doors who will politely remind you to please remove your hat before you exit. This is a rule we should be aware of and follow at our Center. There is an exception to wearing these hats elsewhere than in a Scottish Rite Center. If you are a member of a cast which is conducting a Rose Croix funeral service for a departed brother, it is permissible to wear one of these hats in the building such as a funeral home, church, a chapel at a mausoleum, etc. where the service is being conducted. However, the hat should be removed at the conclusion of the service and prior to you leaving the building or before entering into other parts of the building other than where the service was conducted. I appreciate the opportunity to share this information with you. Fraternally Yours, Paul A. Mac McAlister, 33 3

4 Orient of Kansas Ill. Hugh W. Gill, III, 33 Sovereign Grand Inspector General in Kansas Ill. Donald A. Mahrle, 33 Personal Representative of the S.G.I.G. in Kansas Topeka Valley Advisory Council Ill. Donald A. Mahrle, 33 Personal Representative to the S.G.I.G. in Kansas Ill. Martin L. Donaldson, 33 Almoner Ill. John C. Dicus, 33 Treasurer Paul R. Oldham, 32 KCCH Executive Secretary Jeffrey M. Hurst, 32 KCCH Venerable Master Topeka Lodge of Perfection Kelly D. Kraemer, 32 KCCH Wise Master Topeka Chapter of Rose Croix Jason P. Oldham, 32 KCCH Commander Topeka Council of Kadosh Max M. Menges, 32 KCCH Master of Kadosh Topeka Consistory Scottish Rite Creed Human progress is our cause, liberty of thought our supreme wish, freedom of conscience our mission, and the guarantee of equal rights to all people everywhere our ultimate goal. Our Departed Brethren Passed away since our last bulletin Robert E. Prater 81 05/01/2010 Joseph Dale Fox 73 05/30/2010 Omer Lee Anthony 91 06/27/2010 Howard N. Wasson, Sr /08/2010 Over the past year, we have been remiss in giving credit where credit is due. Thanks go to Ill. Marvin Stovall, 33 and Jay Hurst, 32, for all of the wonderful photos that have appeared in our Bulletin! 2010 Fall Reunion The Topeka Valley will hold its annual Fall Reunion on October 15th & 16th, 2010 at the Topeka Masonic Center. The Reunion will kick off the evening of October 15th with the 4th Degree being performed. The evening is scheduled to end at about 10:00 PM. Our cast will then re-assemble on Saturday, October 16th, beginning at 7:00 AM with coffee and donuts. We ask that all candidates and 14th Degree personnel plan on being at the Center by 7:30 AM. If you would like to assist us, please call SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT The Topeka Valley has created a new online store to assist our members in making purchases using their credit/debit cards or electronic checks. Members will be able to purchase 2011 Dues, Apparel, Jewelry, Decals/ Stickers, etc. It can be accessed from the Topeka Valley web site. All purchases made in the store during the month of September 2010, will enjoy a 10% discount on the items purchased, with the exception of 2011 dues and any charity donations. We thank you in advance for your purchases and look forward to seeing you! ALLEGIANCE The Bodies of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, sitting in the Valley of Topeka, Orient of Kansas, acknowledge the authority of and yield allegiance to the Supreme Council (Mother Council of the World) of the I n s p e c t o r s G e n e r a l, K n i g h t s Commander of the House of the Temple of Solomon of the Thirty Third Degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States of America. The Topeka Scottish Rite Bulletin is the Official Publication of the Topeka Valley of the Scottish Rite, 2300 SW 30th Street Topeka, KS , (785) ,Orient of Kansas, Southern Jurisdiction of the United States of America, and is published 4 times a year in March, June, September and December, at Topeka Kansas. Periodical postage paid at Topeka, Kansas USPS POSTMASTER: Please Send change of address to: 2300 SW 30th Street, Topeka, KS Paul R. Oldham, 32 KCCH Editor, secretary@scottishritetopeka.com, 4

5 Lodge Information & News Topeka Lodge of Perfection By Jeffrey M. Hurst, 32 KCCH Venerable Master Just think, last January we wondered if the snow would ever melt. Well brothers, all danger of frost has passed. Some of you may think that the Valley was dark for the summer, but each time I have visited the Masonic Center the past couple of months there is activity and something new each visit. Our next meeting is Sept. 21st, and I hope to see you there as I have missed the fellowship the past couple of months. When you are at the September meeting, check to see who the officers of the various lodges are. The Lodge of Perfection will be in charge of the January, 2011, meeting. Topeka Chapter of Rose Croix By Kelly D. Kraemer, 32 KCCH Wise Master After what has seemed to be a long summer, we welcome you back just in time to start what is hoped to be a very productive fall for the Valley. We begin the fall with our annual RiteCare Golf Tournament followed by the dinner and silent auction on Friday September 17th. After last year s record breaking donation we anticipate an even larger one this year. Then on Tuesday the 21st, we ll return to the labors of the Valley with a business meeting conducted by the Council of Kadosh. As usual the evening begins with a Social Hour at 5:30pm, Dinner at 6:30pm and the meeting at 7:30pm. I m sure there will be a lot to discuss so please plan on attending. It will then be time to start the hard work of the next Reunion on October 15th & 16th. Topeka Council of Kadosh By Jason P. Oldham, 32 KCCH Commander Brothers, I hope you have been able to escape some of the summer heat. Our lodge will be in charge of the opening and closing for the September 21, 2010 meeting so I need each officer to strive to be present that night. I will send out the script when we get closer to the meeting date so we can present well. You also might mark your calendar for September 17, 2010 and plan on attending the RiteCare Golf Tournament at Western Hills Golf Course. I look forward to seeing you as we again pick up our working tools and join together in the brotherhood of Masonry and Scottish Rite. Topeka Consistory By Max M. Menges, 32 KCCH Master of Kadosh September brings us back together after darkness for the summer months. The June article asked the officers of Topeka Consistory to prepare to lead and support the September business meeting, but instead plan on the same for November 16th. Topeka Council of Kadosh will have those duties in September. You will find information in this bulletin about the Fall Reunion. There is still time to volunteer and become a part of the next reunion. There are choices along with the floor work. Your assistance will be important for setup, stage hand, lighting and sound control or costuming. There are many ways to be involved with making the degree work flow well and bring new brothers into the Scottish Rite Fraternity. 5

6 The Secretary s Desk We would like to welcome all our members back from the summer dark months. The Valley has been very busy over the past three months! More than a few members have inquired about the ability to use a secure way to pay their dues and/or donate using their credit or debit cards. To facilitate those requests, we are pleased to announce the addition of an "Online Store" to our web site,. The Online Store will offer Dues payments as well as merchandise our members may be interested in purchasing, such as jewelry, apparel, and books. The store will be set up to receive donations to our Almoner s Fund, Child Sake program and Scottish Rite Foundation Funds. To view the Online Store, simply go to our Valley web site and click on the Online Store button. This method is secure and your personal information is absolutely safe. It is our hope that the members will find this new venture very convenient and easy to use. As always, suggestions from the membership are welcome. Keep in mind, this is your organization. Our goal is to be as member and user friendly as possible. We look forward to an exciting year at the Topeka Valley of the Scottish Rite Bodies. Paul R. Oldham, 32 KCCH Director of Work There will be lots going on as our Valley returns to its active schedule in September. S.G.I.G. Gill is asking that each Kansas Valley learn another degree to perform in a state wide reunion a challenge. We are reviewing several to submit to the S.G.I.G. for his approval. Cast members, please start reviewing your parts for the fall reunion as I am sure your degree director will be contacting you in September. Degree directors, if you need any assistance from myself or the office staff, please contact us. There has been lots of Blue Lodge degree work going on in our Valley the past several months; please take time to ask all of your Blue Lodge brethren (no matter how long they have been a Master Mason) if they are interested in furthering their light. Even if you are not a degree cast member we need your support at our reunions by your attendance. Jeffrey M. Hurst, 32 KCCH The Personal Representative s Desk On March 18-20, 2011 a multi-orient, made up of Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Arkansas, and Louisiana, Scottish Rite Reunion will be held in Joplin, Missouri. Approximately degrees will be conferred, the rest of the 29 degrees will be communicated. The Orients/Valleys who volunteer and choose one of the conferred degrees will be able to perform that degree. All Orients are encouraged to bring candidates to ensure a large Inaugural Reunion. Contact the Scottish Rite office for further details. On a local level, I m very much looking forward to our upcoming Fall Reunion! As a Valley, we ve made huge strides in raising the quality of our degree work and each Reunion turns out better than the previous one. Keep up the good work! Ill. Donald A. Mahrle, 33 6

7 The Assistant Secretary I hope you have all been taking good care of yourselves in the August heat, drinking plenty of water and not spending too much time in the sun. You should be receiving your Dues for 2011 memberships soon. If you can pay promptly, it would certainly help us out in the office with the bookkeeping department. Payments for your 2011 Dues can now be accepted electronically! Go to the Topeka Scottish Rite website and press the "Online Store" button and follow the instructions. Through the store you will also be able to make donations to your Scottish Rite philanthropies. Should you have any questions, please give me a call at the Scottish Rite office at , as I am always happy to help in any way I can. The Scottish Rite has a beautiful Rose Croix Funeral Service that is offered for our Membership on a request basis. If someone should ask you to help them in their time of need please refer them to the Scottish Rite Office at 2300 SW 30 th St, Topeka, KS or to please call our office at or conveniently the Secretary at secretary@scottishritetopeka.com. Saturday, September 11, 2010 Saturday Discussion Group Free breakfast at 9:00 am Discussion begins at 9:30 am - 11:00 am Friday, September 17, RiteCare Golf Tournament Tee off - Western Hills - 12:30 pm Dinner & Silent Auction at Masonic Center - 6:00 pm Catered by Abouds Tuesday, September 21, 2010 Stated Meeting (Closed) Social Hour begins at 5:30 pm Dinner will be served at 6:30 pm Business Meeting will start at 7:30 pm Dates To Remember Sherry G. Ward Saturday, October 9, 2010 Saturday Discussion Group Free breakfast at 9:00 am Discussion begins at 9:30 am - 11:00 am Tuesday, October 19, 2010 Open Meeting (Guests welcome) Social Hour begins at 5:30 pm Dinner will be served at 6:30 pm Open Program will start at 7:30 pm Dr. Jane Wegner on RiteCare Tuesday November 16, 2010 Stated Meeting (Closed) Social Hour begins at 5:30 pm Dinner will be served at 6:30 pm Business Meeting will start at 7:30 pm RSVP s are always requested for our monthly meeting dinners. You may call the Office at by 4:00 PM on Monday and make your reservations, or the Secretary at secretary@scottishritetopeka.com. Our Topeka Valley Times Past 25 & 50 Years Ago September 1985 The title on the front page was Fall Reunion Plan on it October 10-12, Does that sound familiar? They held three day reunions at that time and attendance was mandatory. This was the 199th Reunion and on Thursday they conferred the 4th, 6th, 7th, 9th & 10th degree. They conferred the 14th, 15th, 18th, 20th & 21st on Friday. They conferred the 29th, 30th, & 32nd on Saturday. Their stated meetings were held the third Tuesday of each month except July and August. The Valley was still looking for brothers who were interested in joining the new SR choir. The newly re-formed Topeka Chapter 128 of National Sojourners, Inc. had Donald J. Hortter, Pres., Myron G. Wilson, 1st V. Pres., Albert O. Arnold, Jr., 2nd V. Pres., and David L. Recob, Sec. Treas. October 1960 Scott Winfield Kelsey was elected Commander of Topeka Council of Kadosh. Thirty one deaths were reported. Phil E. Mills took on a project to canvass Topeka block by block and invite each Mason found to join the Topeka Scottish Rite Bodies. John W. Lewis was appointed city attorney and replaced W. Carl Zimmerman. William E. (Bill) Carey (Spring 1954 Class) became the new secretary of the Topeka Valley of the Scottish Rite Bodies. Bill replaced Homer C. Anderson (Appointed Secretary November 10, 1950 upon the death of B. Harold Groff). Harold Groff was appointed Secretary in He was appointed Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Masonic Temple at 10th & Van Buren when it was re-purchased by the Masons. The 3 day Fall Class of 1960 was named in honor of John Shaw Dawson who died on February 19,

8 Seventh Degree - Provost and Judge Description of the Apron, Cordon, and Jewel The apron is of white lambskin, edged in red. In the center is a red-edged pocket, with a red and white rosette just below the opening. This pocket holds the plans for the Temple. On the flap is embroidered a hand of justice holding a scale. The jewel is a gold key which unlocks the ebony box seen in the ceremony. This ebony box represents the human heart where the candidate is to lock up the secrets of the order. This key is especially emblematic of that justice and uprightness that alone can unlock for us the mysteries contained in the higher degrees and enable us to advance toward perfection. The cordon is a broad, watered crimson ribbon, worn from right to left and from which is suspended the jewel. Degree Commentary by Kyle Ferlemann, 32 Provost and Judge: The 7 th degree addresses the recognition of justice. Having been called to duty in the 4 th through the 6 th degrees the initiates natural question is What shall I do? The answer is to promote justice and its Masonic application as described in the 7 th and 8 th degrees. Here the lesson is the recognition of man s justice and the aspects thereof. First: only a just man has the moral authority to be a judge. Second: if one knows how justice works in a free society he can recognize when others are being judged unfairly. Third: this authority must never be taken lightly or abused.. To judge requires absolute impartiality, empathy, and self scrutiny of one s own deepest motivations. Students: Learn to recognize the cornerstones of man s justice and learn its applications: habeas corpus, trial by a jury of one s peers, court versus tribunal as the absence of these freedoms are the first indicators that something is amiss. One must learn the how justice works in a free society and know how to judge himself before he can be a judge of men. Mentors: This degree is the introduction to the most dangerous authority any man can claim. It is addressed many times in the subsequent degrees and students must implicitly understand that this degree deals only with the recognition of man s justice. Only when a man understands the damage that can be done is he ready to claim this authority. Only Deity is perfect and only deity can dispense perfect justice. All of man s imitations of justice are imperfect and fully subject to man s failures. Eighth Degree - Intendant of the Building Description of the Apron, Cordon, and Jewel The apron is white, lined with red and bordered with green; in the center is an embroidered nine-pointed star, and over that a balance. On the flap is a triangle, with Phoenician letters at each angle. The three colors white, red, and green, the chief symbolic colors of Scottish Rite Masonry, teach us to imitate the purity of morals and zeal for the service of Masonry which have made our deceased Master immortal in the recollection of men. The jewel is a delta of gold. On one side is engraved or enameled the Samaritan words ben-khurim in Samaritan or Hebrew, both meaning nobles or freeborn. On the reverse side is the word achad in Samaritan or Hebrew, signifying our only God, chief and source of all. Pike derives this interpretation from its root which means first. The triangular shape is the most fundamental symbol of Deity. The cordon is a broad watered crimson ribbon, worn from right to left; the jewel is suspended from it by a green ribbon. Degree Commentary by Kyle Ferlemann, 32 Intendant of the Building: The 8 th degree is the lesson of Stewardship. This is the second half of the Masonic application of justice. No Master of men can judge fairly, only a Steward of Justice can attempt it. The major aspect of this degree is the recognition and acceptance of our place in the world and to know that there are always greater and lesser persons than ourselves. To recognize that all people have a place in the world and no matter what that place is all men can be stewards. Deity is the source of all good in the world and we should strive to imitate Deity s benevolence and charity. 8

9 Eighth Degree - Continued Students: Every laboring man is your brother and society requires all trades and skills in order to prosper. Especially important is to have brotherly empathy for those in one s employ. This harkens back to the first lesson of Masonry, that all men are created equal in the eyes of Deity. Both the architect and the stone cutter are inherently noble and both can be stewards of men. Mentors: Dissuade the student from the heady arrogance which comes with the joy of new found knowledge because knowledge has never made one man better that another. To advance in Masonry the student must learn to understand man s justice and imitate the benevolence and charity of Deity. Both of these lessons require study to comprehend and time to practice. Ninth Degree - Elu of the Nine Descriptions of the Apron, Cordon, and Jewel The apron, an emblem of Masonry and Truth, is of white lambskin, lined and bordered with black. The candle, surrounded by darkness, represents the feeble light of ignorance, error and intolerance, with which the world is shrouded and through which Masonry moves like a star, dispensing light and knowledge and toleration, symbolized by the star on the flap. The jewel is a dagger, its hilt of gold and its blade of silver. These two metals in combination symbolize the brilliance of the combined light of the sun and the moon. The cordon is a broad, black watered ribbon, worn from the right shoulder to the left hip; from the end of the cordon hangs the jewel. At the lower end of this are nine rosettes, four on each side and one at the bottom. The rosettes symbolize the original nine Elus or Elected who were chosen by King Solomon to seek out the assassins of Hiram. They also represent the nine virtues taught in this degree: disinterestedness, courtesy, devotion, firmness, frankness, generosity, self-denial, heroism and patriotism. The color of the cordon reminds us ever to lament the prevalence of ignorance, oppression and error. We should strive to overcome them by means of-the above excellent qualities of an Elu of the Nine. Degree Commentary by Kyle Ferlemann, 32 Elu of the Nine: How to Judge, independently and impartially. The Elu degrees (9, 10, and 11) are demonstrations of the aspects of the lessons of justice explained in the Provost and Judge and Intendant of the Building Degrees. They are lessons in the literal application of how, where, and when to apply the authority of judgment. In the 9 th degree the initiate is encouraged to enlighten his soul though study and contemplation, to teach others to seek enlightenment, to obey the laws of his community and to serve his country, and finally to seek out and destroy ignorance. In this degree the initiate is searching for the ruffian who killed the Grand Master Hiram Abiff. While he begins his search with the other Fellow Craft he suddenly finds himself separated at the very moment he finds the ruffian. He must confront the ruffian alone in a cave lit only with the weak and sputtering light of despotism. The initiate holds a weapon in his own hand and dispatches the ruffian by his own actions. Students: Judge with free and independent thought and action. We are called to duty with our peers but our actions are our own. We must learn to guard against mob mentality and understand that no matter what we are ordered to do, what we do, and how we perform our duties are purely and absolutely our individual responsibility. Mentors: Assist the initiate in understanding that despotism and ignorance are not always the result of the manipulations of ambitious men. Social despotism, or mob rule, is just as likely to result from the fears of ignorance as it is from ambitious intention. Students must learn to judge and act for themselves. To further your Masonic Education concerning the Fourth Degree through the Thirty Second Degree please pursue the following sources: 1. A Bridge to Light by Rex R. Hutchens 2. Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor & Guide by Arturo de Hoyos 3. Joining the WSB (Wisdom, Strength, & Beauty) Club sponsored by The Supreme Council Membership Services C/O Jessica Griswold, th Street NW Washington DC

10 Fees $200 (For This Class) (includes 2011 dues, Black Cap, 14 Ring in pyramid, & Bridge to Light book) Make check payable to: Scottish Rite Bodies of Topeka 2300 SW 30th St Topeka, KS Secretary - Paul R. Oldham Assistant Secretary - Sherry G. Ward (785) Fees Paid: Presented: Elected: Notified: Office Use Only PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE - FILL IN ALL SPACES Full Name: Address: First Middle Last Home/Cell Phone: City: State: Zip: Date of Birth: / / Place: Current Age: I am now a member in I will be joining: Check One (Please include a photocopy of your Blue Lodge Membership Card) Blue Lodge: Number: At: First Degree: / / Second Degree: / / Third Degree: / / Lady s Name: Hat Size: Occupation: Work Phone: If retired, from what: I have resided in this jurisdiction for: years, and months Have you ever previously petitioned for the Scottish Rite Degrees? I believe in the inculcation of patriotism, respect for law and order, and undying loyalty to the principles of civil and religious liberty, the entire separation of Church and State, as set forth in the Constitution of the United States of America. I wholeheartedly believe in the foregoing and I respectfully petition for the 4 through 32 Date: / / Signature: IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE FIRST OR SECOND LINE SIGNER TO ACCOMPANY HIS CANDIDATE AT THE INITIATION Recommended By: 1. Recommended By: 2. Print Name Address City ST Zip Phone Print Name Address City ST Zip Phone Next Class - October 15 & 16, 2010

11 This is the fourth installment in a series of articles that recognize our Topeka Scottish Rite members and their involvement in World War II. Spotlight on Our Veterans By Sandy Bass, 32 KCCH Our veteran this month is another Kansas veteran born in Burdett, KS in Lane B. Ruehlen was the fourth of nine children and graduated from Larned High School in He was active in Boy Scouts, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout, while lettering in football, basketball and baseball one busy guy! While attending Ft. Hays College ( ) he applied for flight training in the U.S. Army Air Corps and was called to active duty December 3, After graduating from flying school at Luke Field in Phoenix, AZ in July 1942, Lane was sent to Puerto Rico and assigned to the 36 th Fighter Group, flying P-39 and P-40 fighters (he remained assigned to the 36 th until October 1945). Lane returned to the States with his Group in June 1943 to train on a new fighter, the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt. This fighter, affectionately called The Jug, was huge, weighing almost 14,000 pounds fully loaded, sporting a 2800 HP engine, eight 50 caliber machine guns, firing r o u n d s p e r minute. It had heavy armor and could fly at 40,000 feet due to its supercharged engine. Lane was transferred to England (south of London) in May 1944 and his 36 th fighter group was attached to the 9 th Air Force that flew support missions for the invasion forces. While in England, the German V-1 rockets that were headed for London flew over their base, which Lane said was ok unless you heard the rocket engine stop, then you ran for cover! Lane s fighter group moved to France in August 1944 and continued giving close air support to ground forces, including Patton s 3 rd Army. In late 1944, a great number of German forces retreating from West- Central France were attacked by the 36 th and another Group of P-47s, forcing some 20,000 troops to surrender (Battle of Falaise Gap). Patton was so delighted that he had a truckload of French Cointreau delivered to each of the groups. During the winter of , Lane was based in Belgium with the 36 th where most of his combat missions were into Germany. Near Bastogne on December 26th, Lane s squadron of 12 fighters encountered approximately 20 Messerschmitt 109 fighters. They shot down eight 109 s with a loss of only 1 P-47. Lane accounted for one a great accomplishment. Lane retired as Lt. Colonel and in 1951 went to work for the Duckwall Variety Store Company and was District Manager from 1972 to 1984, when he retired for the second time. Lane and Mary have ten children, eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. He and Mary are enjoying their recently acquired condo at Brewster Place. A 52 year Mason, Lane was raised in Western Star Lodge in Smith Center in He became a Scottish Rite Mason, a Sojourner, a Shriner, and a member of the Legion of Honor, where he s served as Director and Commander of that Unit, as well as being an Editor of the Shrine Circus book. Thank you, Lane, for your service to your country and dedication to Masonry. If you know of any World War II Veterans we should spotlight, please let us know so we may contact them and honor their Service in future issues. 11

12 Topeka Scottish Rite Bulletin 2300 SW 30th St Topeka, KS PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT TOPEKA, KANSAS Are you moving, or have you already moved? We would like to know your new mailing address. Please call us at (785) or toll free at (877) , or please us at Thank you for helping us keep track of our valued members - you!!! Would you rather continue to receive YOUR Scottish Rite Bulletin in this printed format, or would you prefer to obtain it via the Topeka Scottish Rite Web Site at the Secretary at secretary@scottishritetopeka.com with your choice. Remember that each electronic version saves our Valley $1.50 per issue, or $6.00 per member, per year! Schiefelbusch Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic Support Your $25 donation pays for one therapy session for one child or adult Your $100 donation purchases teaching materials for children or adults. Your $250 donation pays for special equipment for children or adults. To support this Topeka Valley Philanthropic Program Send Check Payable To: Kansas Scottish Rite Foundation to Topeka Scottish Rite Bodies Tax Deductible Clinic Donation 2300 SW 30th St Topeka, KS Please include your name, address, and a brief note stating your desire to support this program. You will receive a return letter confirming your tax deductible contribution Thanks for caring!!!