Words. Rite. Valley of Tucson - Orient of Arizona. Meet Your 2010 Officers. Personal Rep s Message.

Transcription

1 Rite Words Volume 58, Issue 1 Valley of Tucson - Orient of Arizona January/February 2010 Personal Rep s Message By Ill.. J. Michael Atchley, 33 Meet Your 2010 Officers Membership: We are always talking about membership, the continuing losses, the lack of participation and the attitude of our members and yet, we seem to have no answer. Maybe it s time to try something else. I ask you to consider a simple word, but by no means an effortless solution. It is a word which often seems to be lost, or at least ignored in today s world. That word C-O-M-M-I-T-M-E-N-T is defined by Webster s Dictionary as a pledge to do something in the future; the state of being obligated. As Masons, we realize that commitment requires self-discipline and must therefore come from within. Perhaps it can be taught, but it cannot be forced upon one who lacks the desire to be committed. While our world is constantly changing, the principles of truth, morality, justice, and brotherhood upon which Masonry is founded remain steadfast. It is true that Masonry is exclusive in that Masonry attempts to accept only men of good character. After a man joins Masonry, he continues his education in the Scottish Rite, York Rite, the Shrine and many other appendant bodies. He misses a few meetings and we lose track of him and we seem to forget about him. We seem to forget about him until he shows up for his 25-year pin. Whose fault is that? Both of us; us for not mentoring him, his for not committing himself to learn what Masonry is all about. Many of our members are deeply committed to the Scottish Rite and many other Masonic bodies. This article is for our non-committed Brethren. To those I say Get with the program! In other words, support your Masonic bodies not only with your dues, but with your participation. Search for good men who are worthy of further light; then make a commitment to strengthen our Fraternity and stand by it. Can you spare an evening to help park cars in the parking lots at the Cathedral? Please call the Scottish Rite office at to sign up. Ill.. William E. Lofquist, 33º Venerable Master, Lodge of Perfection Bro. Robert L. Hicks, 32º, K..C..C..H.. Wise Master, Chapter Rose Croix Bro. Randal S. Jager, 32º, Venerable Master, Tucson Knights of St. Andrew Ill.. Michael T. Bishop, 33º Commander, Council of Knights Kadosh Bro. John W. George, 32º, K..C..C..H.. Master of Kadosh, Consistory Bro. Thomas N. Johnsen Jr., 32º, K..C..C..H.. President K..C..C..H..

2 2 January/February 2010 Rite Words Valley of Tucson - Orient of Arizona All Scottish Rite members whose names appear in the Rite Words are of the thirty-second degree, unless otherwise indicated. Articles appearing in this publication express only the private opinion or assertions of the writer and are not necessarily those of the Scottish Rite Bodies. Articles submitted must be informative and relate to Masonry and/or be of general public interest. Articles must be limited to 750 words and are subject to editing. When possible, photographs that illustrate these informative articles should accompany the submission. The Rite Words is published six times annually, in January, March, May, July, September and November. Deadline for submission of articles for the next publication is February 5, EDITOR Peggy Atchley ASSISTANT EDITOR Ill.. Charles R. Bollenberg, 33 Send articles, comments or suggestions to: heartsgrandma@theriver.com Fax No Mail Change of Address To: Rite Words P.O. Box 391 Tucson, AZ Scottish Rite Office Hours: Mon. Thur. 9:00am 1:00pm Office Phone Number: Office Fax Number: Illustrious Brother Robert F. Hannon, 33, is the Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the Supreme Council of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for the Southern Jurisdiction, U.S.A. in the Orient of Arizona. Illustrious J. Michael Atchley, 33, is the Personal Representative of the Sovereign Grand Inspector General in Arizona for the Valley of Tucson and Chairman of the Advisory Conference. Illustrious James W. Sebastian, 33, is the Assistant Personal Representative of the Sovereign Grand Inspector General in Arizona for the Valley of Tucson. Serving as Secretary for the Valley of Tucson is Brother Virgil D. Larsen, 32. Venerable Master, Elect Ill.. William E. Lofquist, 33º Welcome to the new year of What does the new year have in store for us and how will we handle it? Now is the time to set goals for achievement over the next 12 months and thereafter. As the old saying goes, we will reap what ever we sow. For those who have not been to The Rite as often as we should, take a ride down Scott Avenue and see what a beautiful semiparkway it is and how it increases the view and value of our Cathedral. Then take a stroll through the Cathedral and see what has transformed in the last year and a half; how the lobby area looks with the moving of a few pieces of furniture and a good cleanup. It has the woman s touch, thanks to the Rite Ladies. The walls not only have a coat of paint but are covered with museum quality articles and pictures; all renovated and hung for all to see our past history; articles important to our Fraternity as to its history and accomplishments as well as the importance to the community of Tucson. At our meetings you will see something new in headdress. Not only black, red, white, blue and purple hats, but the feather bearing hats of the Knights of St. Andrew along with their kilts, swords and bagpipes. A great group of 32º Masons supporting the Scottish Rite with very impressive ritual. Our meetings, as you know, start with a great dinner which is now catered and is of very high quality and lavishly served by our kitchen and dining room crew. So, what goals are we going to set for ourselves this year? Some ideas: dining room floor, carpet for the lobby, more efficient heating and cooling for the lobby and office area, upgrade of other heating systems. That s just a few of the things that need attention at the Cathedral. BUT it takes money to accomplish the work and in this day and age it s hard going for the creation of funds. All I have to do is win the lottery and we ll have it made. All food for thought, my Brothers food for thought. IMPORTANT NOTICE Remember you will be asked to show your current Dues Card when attending Scottish Rite meetings and events.

3 January/February Thank-You Note We extend a very special Thank You to the following people who have generously donated to help with the cost of printing and mailing the Rite W ords. Clyde M. Hyde Michael & Peggy Atchley Rollie Carlson Archie Anderson Donald J. Vingino Maxine Wood Terry W. Henley Bob Meisenheimer Robert G. Kaley Al Camacho Herman E. Ziemer George & Mary Timmons Don & Anna Schauer Billy & Tana Hall John & Dorothy Trexel Howard & Nancy Pepper Jack & Linda Wright Alan & Leatrice Cohen David & Shirley Hobbs Charles & Debra Maddalozzo James & Ann Molline Ernest & Nancy Padilla Bob & Dessie Kincaid Art & Zulma Del Cueto Kenneth & Ann Byrum Bill & Gert White Jane Taylor I would like to share this thank-you note I received with everyone who participated in the 2009 Honors Investiture Luncheon and Ceremony. Dear Ill.. Brother Atchley, I want to take a minute to thank you on behalf of my family and I for the impressive ceremony that your Valley provided for the KCCH Investiture on Saturday, 14 November. The food was excellent and that is always a plus with Italians. Again, I know the work that goes into making an event like the one you hosted. Please thank everyone for my family and all the brothers who were invested. If I can be of any help to you or your Valley, please don t hesitate to ask. Fraternally Yours, Sam Graziano Jr., KCCH Deputy Grand Secretary Education is when you read the fine print. Experience is what you get if you don t. Peter Seeger Success is to be measured, not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which one has overcome while trying to succeed. Booker T. Washington You too can help Donate $25.00 for one year Please send your donation to: Rite Words P.O. Box 391 Tucson, AZ Thank You!

4 4 January/February 2010 The cornerstone ceremony for the Wings on Words Child Language Center held on November 21 st was an event enjoyed by all on a beautiful fall day. Grand Master, Michael T. Bishop opened Grand Lodge at 10:00 a.m. at the Tucson Scottish Rite Cathedral. The Grand Master of Prince Hall Masons of Arizona, Lewis R. Brent, was present as were several Arizona Past Grand Masters and presiding Worshipful Masters of Arizona Lodges. The Grand Lodge was called from labor to refreshment, after which everyone traveled to the corner of 6 th Avenue and Speedway Boulevard for the cornerstone ceremony. Grand Marshal, Ralph Hooten formed the procession along 6 th Avenue. They proceeded north to Speedway Boulevard, turning east and entered the Wings on Words parking lot, stopping at the northeast corner of the new building for the ceremony. Tucson Knights of St. Andrew provided a piper for the procession. Rich Hansen, PM and the Dixiecats played music during the ceremony. Grand Chaplain, Gene Hutloff opened the ceremony with a prayer, and following the National Anthem, WB Marvin Hoffman made opening remarks on behalf of Wings on Words. A plaque representing the cornerstone and commemorating the event, was administered with the traditional corn, wine, and oil after it had been checked by the Grand Officers with the square, level and plumb. WB IN HOME SENIOR CARE Christian Companion Senior Care is the first and only faith-based caregiving service in Southern Arizona providing in-home care for seniors from a uniquely Christian perspective. Our mission is to honor God by providing Christian in-home living assistance as a channel of God s love for seniors and their families. Services: Companionship, Personal Care, Cooking, Housekeeping, Spiritual Support, Transportation, What If I Need You Program and the LIFE LEGACY KEEPSAKE. For additional information contact Paul Nordstrom, 32º, K... C... C... H Adrian Fontes delivered an oration in fine fashion The procession was reformed and departed under the direction of the Grand Marshal. Grand Lodge closed at the Tucson Scottish Rite Cathedral with peace and harmony prevailing. Scottish Rite Word Search Many of you enjoy these types of puzzles. So, here s what we have done. The puzzle below contains words used in Masonry and/or the last issue of the Rite Words. We hope you enjoy this, please let us know. z Z w W Ll r R Cc Ff Nn Ss Ll Dd Rr Yy Vv Xx R r p P t T a A s S Ee Qq Bb Gg Tt Tt Ee Rr Ff Ss N n t T x X Tt Ll Cc Qq Nn Ll Oo Vv Aa Ii Hh Mm V v u U Ff Nn Hh Ll Ee Ee Hh Rr Aa Tt Tt Cc Ee A a c C Cc a A Tt Hh Ee Dd Rr Aa Ll Xx Ee Ii Bb U u s S Oo Bb Hh Jj Yy Yy Nn Dd Ll Tt Pp Aa Ee R r o O Hh Nn Aa Tt Zz Uu Ee Xx Ee Kk Jj Rr Vv A a n N Ss Dd Ss Dd Uu Ee Ss S s Yy Xx Tt I i Qq C c t T c C Ss Pp Ii Kk Ee Ww Bb Oo Pp Ff Hh Yy U u a A t T Oo Hh Gg Ss Yy Vv Rr Pp Mm Cc Qq Aa B b i I w W Dd Oo Nn Aa Tt Ii Oo Nn Aa Tt Ii Oo N n q Q v V Yy Kk Ss Pp Mm Oo Cc Uu Jj Ss Oo Bb X x u U Aa Bb Mm Aa Ss Tt Ee Rr Bb Ii Rr Tt Xx A a c C t T Uu Pp Hh Jj Zz Nn Yy Yy Gg Ii Ss Mm Y y Cathedral Consistory Donation Dues Master Pike Rite Tucson Valley Walleyes

5 January/February Knights of St. Andrew By: Bro. Randal S. Jager, 32º, Venerable Master, TKSA Greetings Brethren! I have written in many previous articles about the standards we as Masons are to hold ourselves to on moral and ethical levels. I have even written about the standards of behavior expected of those 32º Scottish Rite Masons wishing to join the ranks of the Tucson Knights of St. Andrew (TKSA). However, with this article I am writing to you regarding a completely different type of standard. The word standard may also describe a flag or banner raised on a pole to indicate a rallying point. This definition brings us to the topic of specific interest to the TKSA at this time. One of the duties of the TKSA is to perform an opening and closing processional for the reunions of the Tucson Scottish Rite. A processional is also an important part of the Knighting Ceremony performed by the TKSA when Brethren have been accepted as Knights within our Order. As part of these processionals and others, the TKSA is interested in having a Knight carry in the Standard of our Order. This Standard, as depicted to the right, would ideally be carried by a single Knight and mounted on a vertical staff crossed by two horizontal staves (behind the upper and lower scrolls of the Standard). Several sources have been researched for the construction of such a standard, but as yet none have proven to be viable. If you are aware of a seamstress (or other source) who may be able to facilitate such an endeavor, please contact me directly at TKSA@thejagers.com or via cell phone at On a separate note... Brethren, I was recently given a strong reminder that we should all be looking to each other for strength and encouragement within our Fraternity. As Masons we are instructed to consider the Volume of Sacred Law as the unerring standard of truth and justice. Within the Volume of Sacred Law, the book of Proverbs offers us the following passages: A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. (Proverbs 17:17) As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17) Let us all endeavor to be the friend who our Brothers can rely on at all times for Brotherly love and support, and we certainly cannot forget each other in times of adversity. All too often in our busy schedules, we find ourselves caught up in the activities of our daily lives. However, we cannot let this distract us from the obligations we hold to our Brethren. We must continually seek to sharpen one another to keep ourselves, and our Brethren, the men that our honorable Fraternity so rightly deserves. The Lost Symbol By Ill.. William E. Lofquist, 33º, Venerable Master Elect The Lost Symbol, Dan Brown s newest novel is a must read for all Masons and more so for the non-mason. What emerges from this book is an extremely favorable portrayal of the Craft. Perhaps, the novel is one of the very best vehicles we could have ever imagined in countering the negative misperceptions that have maligned our Order for centuries. Brown ably captures the ideals of our Fraternity, even mentioning the policy of never publicly responding to our critics. In chapter 6, for example: Student: So...Masonry is antireligious? On the contrary. One of the prerequisites for becoming a Mason is that you must believe in a higher power. The difference between Masonic spirituality and organized religion is that Masons do not impose a specific definition of name on a higher power. Rather than define theological identities like God, Allah, Buddah, or Jesus, the Masons use more general terms like Supreme Being or Great Architect of the Universe. This enables Masons of different faiths to gather together in harmony and brotherhood. All Masonic characters in the book with the exception of the villain who successfully infiltrated the Freemasons are painted as upstanding, learned men of impeccable character and repute. This idea that Masonic secrets are of the sort that one can use for one s own benefit at the expense of others is a common misconception about Freemasonry. The Lost Symbol is a powerful promotional tool for Freemasonry! It should be viewed as an opportunity, not a threat - an opportunity to grow into what it was designed to be by our Masonic forefathers. There is presently nothing so wrong with the world that cannot be fixed by what is so right about the principles of FREEMASONRY.

6 6 January/February 2010 The model Seawitch, handcrafted by Ill.. William E. Lofquist, 33º Mr. Robert Glassgow of Tucson. $ Cash Mr. Glenn Kessel of Minneapolis. $ Cash Bro. John F. Zingg, 32º of Tucson and a member of Epes Randolph Lodge #32. $75.00 Cash Ill.. Robert F. Conrad, 33º, of Tucson and a member of Tucson Lodge #4. We congratulate all of these winners and at the same time say Thank You. In true Masonic spirit, each of the cash winners donated their winnings back to the Tucson Scottish Rite Cathedral. Winners of the door prizes which were raffled off during dinner for the months of October, November and December were: October: Bro. Gene Bull, 32º, from Sierra Vista won a $50.00 gift certificate to Bucks Automotive. Mrs. Frances Lieber from Tucson was the winner of a $50.00 gift certificate to Chico s. November: Bro. Joe Ruse, 32º, TKSA from Tucson and Mrs. Ann Byrum from Green Valley each won two tickets to the Gaslight Theatre s Christmas Play On The Road to the North Pole. December: Mrs. Amber Otterholt from Tucson and Mrs. Margery Ruse from Green Valley each won a beautiful poinsettia plant. Join us on Thursday, January 28, 2010 for dinner and more door prizes followed by our 2010 Installation of Officers. The Installation of Officers is a public event; spouses, children and neighbors are invited to attend Grand Lodge Leadership Conference To Become Better Leaders in Today s Challenging Environment You are cordially invited, nay... you are strongly encouraged to attend any one of the three Leadership Conferences scheduled for January, MW Grand Master, Michael T. Bishop invites the officers and members of ALL Masonic bodies to attend this essential training opportunity. By ALL, he refers to all of our brothers, sisters, sons and daughters of the Blue Lodges, York Rite, Scottish Rite, Shrine, Grotto, Eastern Star, Amaranth, Beauceant, True Kindred, White Shrine, DeMolay, Rainbow Girls and Jobs Daughters... all who are members of our expanded Masonic Family! The first session will be held on Saturday, January 9th at the Tucson Scottish Rite Cathedral. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. with coffee and donuts. The first session will begin at 9:00 a.m. and is planned to end by 4:00 p.m. Lunch will be served to all registrants. You will have your choice of classes you want to attend. There will be four one-hour classes, followed by a 90- minute facilitated discussion meant to allow YOU to tell us what you feel is most important to the betterment of our Fraternity. The classes will be divided into four levels or groups, meant to better fit where you are in your Masonic career: Group A - Designed to appeal to the needs of those who have recently joined and/or have just been appointed to the progressive line of your respective body. Group B - These courses will be more applicable to those who are approaching the East, who are more senior officers of their respective bodies or will soon preside or now preside in the East. Group C - These courses will appeal to those who are more interested in esoteric facets and higher ideals of our Fraternity, those of you who want to go as far as you can. Secretary/Treasurer will meet separately with the Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer to discuss those issues pertaining to their respective office. Registration and your payment of $25.00 can be made at the door. Mark your calendars for Saturday, January 9 th at the Tucson Scottish Rite Cathedral.

7 January/February What s Your Excuse? With over 1,400 members in the Tucson Scottish Rite Bodies, I have often wondered why we usually have fewer than 100 members in attendance at our meetings. Everyone seems to have some excuse for not attending and taking advantage of their membership. Here are a few that I ve heard: I m afraid! It is not safe to go downtown at night. During the 29 years I have been a Scottish Rite Mason, I have not heard of a single incident where one of our members has been mugged, assaulted, or raped when attending a function at the Cathedral. Yes, there are some areas of Tucson where I would not go at night either, but the Tucson Scottish Rite is not one of them. We have free parking and the lights in both parking lots come on automatically at dusk and remain on until 11:00 p.m. The meetings last too long, I have to get up early to go to work. Not a valid excuse. Our Stated Meetings usually last only about 45 minutes to one hour. We start at 6:30 p.m. with dinner, followed by our meeting at 7:30 p.m. We are usually on our way home by 9:00 p.m. The Stated Meetings are Boring. That one may be true, but we must have the meetings as a necessity to approve the bills and elect candidates and provide for Brothers in need. We try to keep the meetings as brief as possible. The real reason for attending is to enjoy the dinners and the socialization with old friends and make new ones. I don t know anyone at the Scottish Rite, I feel like a stranger. Well, you probably will never get to know anyone if you never attend the meetings. The trick is to attend three meetings in a row, that way you will get to know some wonderful Brothers and they will get to know you. Get involved and you will be anxious to attend our events. I don t drive at night anymore. That is one we hear frequently. How about inviting someone to come with you who can drive at night. We have members from every Blue Lodge in the Tucson area and you probably have someone near you who would be happy to come with you. They drive, you buy their dinner; how does that sound? Even non-masons can attend our dinners and social events; of course they can t attend the Stated Meeting, but they could relax in the lobby, or attend the Rite Ladies program for the short time we are in our meeting. The dinners are too expensive. Not so. Our catered meals cost $10.00 per plate. You can t find a better deal in town. You can t get a decent meal at MacDonald s for that price and you don t have to pay tax or leave a tip. We don t make any money on the dinners, we just try to break even. I don t like to leave my wife at home alone. Bring her with you. Our Rite Ladies would welcome her and she would have a wonderful time. You may have more excuses for not attending our meetings and events and some of them may be valid. If you live out of state, then you have a good excuse for not attending, but if you live in the area, you really should take advantage of your membership and attend our functions, at least occasionally. You are always welcome and you will find the fourth Thursday of the month is something you will look forward to! Ill.. J. Michael Atchley, 33º Personal Rep for the Valley of Tucson Proof of Membership in The Masonic Fraternity can be a current dues card. But proof that a man is a Mason is displayed by the life he lives! This Advertising Space Available Call Peggy at

8 8 January/February 2010 Tucson Scottish Rite 2010 Schedule of Events 1/1 Office Closed 1/7 Discussion Group, 7:00 p.m. 1/9 Grand Lodge Leadership Conference 1/9 Rummage Sale, 8:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. 1/28 Joint Installation of Officers Dinner served at 6:30 p.m. Installation at 7:30 p.m. 2/4 Discussion Group, 7:00 p.m. 2/12 Rummage Sale, 8:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. 2/15 Office Closed - Presidents Day 2/25 Stated Meeting: Western Theme Night 3/4 Discussion Group, 7:00 p.m. 3/13 Rummage Sale, 8:00a.m. 2:00p.m. 3/25 Stated Meeting Ceremony of Remembrance and Renewal 4/1 Discussion Group, 7:00 p.m. 4/10 Rummage Sale, 8:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. 4/22 Stated Meeting: Lodge of Sorrow 5/6 Discussion Group, 7:00 p.m. 5/8 Rummage Sale, 8:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. 5/9 Mother s Day Celebration Tanque Verde Ranch 5/ th Annual Southwest Scottish Rite Regional Reunion - Phoenix 5/27 Stated Meeting Scottish Rite Birthday Party 5/31 Office Closed - Memorial Day Check our website for updates and additional details. Scottish Rite Community Service Project for Beginning this month and continuing for the remainder of the year, we will be collecting non-perishable food items to be delivered to the Community Food Bank. Every time you attend a meeting or a function at the Cathedral, please bring a donation with you. Every month, over 215,000 people receive assistance through their programs. Some priority items they are in need of are: canned meats, canned vegetables, canned soups, cereal, peanut butter, canned fruit, canned tomato products, meal mixes, such as Hamburger Helper or Rice-A-Roni, and condiments. If you prefer to make a monetary donation, please make your check payable to the Tucson Scottish Rite Charitable Foundation, Inc. For every dollar donated, the food bank can distribute nine dollars worth of food. Valley of Tucson Masonic Services Directory We are looking for business owners/ managers, who would be interested in advertising in our new yellow pages directory. A two-line listing will cost $10.00 per issue (six issues) or $50.00 for the full year. Additional size ads are also available. Please contact Peggy Atchley at or by at heartsgrandma@theriver.com.

9 January/February Around the Cathedral..... During the past few months the Cathedral was host to many special events. Here are just a few: CHILD ID Concert Scottish Rite Fall Reunion K..C..C..H.. Luncheon and Investiture November Stated Meeting Thanksgiving Celebration December Stated Meeting Christmas Celebration Christmas Carols were sung by Brownie Troop 753 and Junior Troop 2565 In addition, at the December Stated Meeting we held the drawing for the model ship, The Seawitch and various cash prizes. Our thanks to Ill.. William E. Lofquist, 33, for building and donating the beautiful model ship for us to use as a fundraiser. You will find photos of most of these events in the Scottish Rite Photo Gallery section on page 10. Thanks to everyone who supported the Child ID concert. The concert was a great success, earning the funds needed to purchase another computer. Make Your Reservations NOW! Only 150 Seats Available Tanque Verde Ranch Mother s Day Celebration May 9, :00 p.m. Bring your spouse, mother, significant other, children or grandchildren and join us for our first Scottish Rite Mother s Day Celebration. Everyone will enjoy a wonderful brunch, the beautiful grounds at Tanque Verde Ranch and great fellowship. Advance Reservations Only $20.00 per person adults or children. Reservations must be paid prior to May 9 th. Call the Scottish Rite office at for complete details.

10 10 January/February 2010 Scottish Rite Photo Gallery Newly Coronated 33 Scottish Rite Masons K..C..C..H.. Investiture Ceremony Ill.. Jack W. Wright, 33 Ill.. Robert F. Langmead, 33 Ill.. Billy G. Hall, 33 Bro. Timothy D. Alphin, 32 Bro. Chadwick V. Cotner, 32 Bro. Richard W. Laszok, 32 Bro. James R. Dennis, 32 Ill..Robert F. Hannon, 33, S..G..I..G.., Orient of Arizona and S..G..I..G.. Zeno Lamarr, 33, Deputy for The Orient of Arizona, Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Prince Hall Bro. Daryl McLaughlin, 32 Fall, 2009 Class Reunion K..C..C..H.. Investiture Luncheon Christmas Carols sung by Brownie Troop753 and Junior Troop 2565 Members of the Rite Ladies K..C..C..H.. Investiture Luncheon Ill.. J Michael Atchley, 33 and Ill.. William E. Lofquist, 33

11 January/February Altan Kol Grotto By James W. Sebastian, Monarch As the incoming Monarch of Altan Kol Grotto, I must congratulate 2009 Monarch, B.T. Dingwall, III for his enlightened leadership, dedicated stewardship and constant fellowship that has brought Altan Kol to We would also like to thank the core of officers who supported Altan Kol in 2009, all of whom are serving again in 2010 in some capacity. In 2009, we were deeply saddened by the deaths of several Profits. One that was especially hurtful was Profit, Donald E. White, our Treasurer. We commend our Junior Past Monarch, Tom Dingwall for stepping into the Treasurer s office and keeping an unbroken chain of good record keeping. Thanks to all our Past Monarchs for their continued dedication and service to Altan Kol and MOVPER in general. The upcoming officers show a bright future for the viability of Altan Kol. Congratulations to Tom Dingwall on becoming 3 rd Vice President of the California, Nevada & Arizona Grotto Association. His ascension to this time-honored position speaks well for the high esteem the rest of the Grotto Association holds for Altan Kol. By the time you read this, the combined installation with Rameses Grotto will have passed into history and we will be on the way to a year of service and fun, including having a dinner out with our ladies each month. Let us pay special tribute to our ladies without whose support much of the effort we put forward for our organization, community and families would be much more difficult. Remember, Altan Kol meets the 2 nd Thursday of each month except July and August at Marion McDaniel Lodge, 3959 E. Mabel St. We begin with a potluck dinner with the ladies at 6:00 p.m., and our Stated Meeting follows at 7:00 p.m. We would very much like to see some of our missing members return and give us the benefit of their experiences. Congratulations to all the Masters of our Arizona Blue Lodges, each of whom is very important to the future of their respective lodges. I would like to extend an invitation to all Master Masons to join Altan Kol and be a part of the fun, fellowship and fraternal service which are the by-words of the Grotto experience. Altan Kol Grotto By B.T. Dingwall, III, Past Monarch The year finally came to an end and I am proud of the many accomplishments Altan Kol Grotto made in First and foremost, our Grotto was able to confer our ritual work on new members, including Most Worshipful Grand Master, Michael T. Bishop. With Grand Master Bishop s very busy schedule, he made time to participate in Altan Kol s 2009 and 2010 Installation of Officers and visit Rameses Grotto in Phoenix to present new members with their Grotto Fezzes. Second, I am thankful we had quorums for all Stated Meetings and even had a few sideliners. Third, I am very pleased we were able to fill the 2009 officers elected line without any recycled Past Monarchs, nor did our current Monarch, Jim. This feat speaks well for Altan Kol Grotto. Fourth, I am very appreciative of the support of Altan Kol s Past Monarchs who always responded when asked to fill an officer s station or perform a ritual part during our initiations. A particular thanks to Past Monarchs Jerry Baker, SCDD; Richard Kessler, Secretary; Paul Nix, Trustee and Jack of all trades. Last but not least, thank you to Bill Sneyd, my mentor, advisor, and close friend. The Grotto Ladies always deserve a very big Thank You for providing a delicious potluck dinner before every Stated Meeting. I am pleased to announce that the Altan Kol Prophet of the Year is Prophet. Kenneth W. Smith, Master of Ceremonies. There is an old saying that goes something like...if you want to get something done, give the job to a busy man. Congratulations Ken, this honor is well deserved. At the recently completed convention of the California Arizona Nevada Grotto Association (C.A.N.G.A.) held at the Riverside Casino and Resort in Laughlin, NV, Past Monarch Bill Sneyd of Altan Kol Grotto was presented the Gold Honour Award of the York Rite Sovereign College of North America for service to his Masonic Lodge, Eastern Star and Altan Kol Grotto. The 2010 Association convention will be held at the Orange Tree Resort and Golf Course in Scottsdale on September 23 rd, 24 th and 25 th. Learn by experience - preferably other people s.

12 Tucson Lodge of Perfection Tucson Scottish Rite Valley of Tucson ~ Orient of Arizona P.O. Box 391 Tucson, Arizona NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. Postage Paid Tucson, Arizona Permit No. 658 Cathedral Location: 160 S. Scott Avenue Tucson, Arizona