Calling All Candidates!! NEW CANDIDATE PERPETUAL MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS Look at page 3 for these new PEM options!

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1 Official Publication of the TULSA SCOTTISH RITE BODIES Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States of America Volume Number 2018 Number 1 Oklahoma Scottish Rite Upcoming 2018 Reunion Dates Guthrie - April 6-8 October 6-7 McAlester - April October Tulsa - April Sept Upcoming 2019 Reunion Dates Tulsa - March September Guthrie - April 5-7 October 5-6 McAlester - April October Honours Day November 3, 2019 Calling All Candidates!! Scottish Rite Masons Let your Candidates know that their 2018 Spring fees are $175.00, which includes their Candidate Books, Pyramid, Patent, and Class Photo! NEW CANDIDATE PERPETUAL MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS Look at page 3 for these new PEM options!

2 2018 Tulsa Scottish Rite Officers Andrew T. Rees Venerable Master Lodge of Perfection John F. Nein, KCCH Wise Master Tulsa Chapter of Rose Croix Larry L. Ashbaugh, KCCH Commander of Kadosh Tulsa Council of Kadosh Michael A. Fritts, KCCH Master of Kadosh Tulsa Consistory Lodge of Perfection Venerable Master Andrew T. Rees Senior Warden Jon B. Greene Junior Warden H.A. Al Wilson Orator Anthony W. Keck Prelate Dr. Thomas A. Dafforn Master of Ceremonies Jim L. Parham Expert Stephen E. Ridenour, Jr. Assistant Expert M. Logan Bryant Captain of the Host Christopher W. Teel Tiler Anthony J. Goldschmidt Chapter of Rose Croix Wise Master John F. Nein Senior Warden Larry E. Adair Junior Warden Rick A. Moore Orator Marshall M. Clayton Master of Ceremonies Forrest B. Wood Expert David D. Clayton Assistant Expert Alan P. Pfeiffer, Jr. Standard Bearer Samuel D. Jarvis Guardian of the Temple Bobby D. Rinehart Tiler Daniel T. Miller Appointed Officers Valley Almoner Clayton E. Woodrum, II Valley Treasurer Stephen E. Ridenour, Jr. General Secretary Matthew T. Cargill Council of Kadosh Commander Larry L. Ashbaugh 1st Lt. Commander Phillip T. Brice 2nd Lt. Commander M. Joshua Prock Chancellor Todd Deakins Orator Matthew C. Nowlin Master of Ceremonies Dana G. Jim Turcopilier Dennis E. Deakins Draper John P. Howard 1st Deacon Dwight L. Benton 2nd Deacon Gary L. Johnson Bearer of the Beauseant Alan S. Hart Bearer of the White Standard Michael A. Nicholson Bearer of the Black Standard James W. Durbin Lieutenant of the Guard Dace Tom Sentinel Spencer E. Adams Consistory of Masters of the Royal Secret Master of Kadosh Michael A. Fritts Prior Kane Smith Preceptor David J. Greenly Chancellor Myron D. Quapaw Minister of State Gregory A. Myers Prelate Bryan D. Wheat Master of Ceremonies Raymond D. Hancock Expert Kevin P. Bardy Assistant Expert Tyler S. Buttram Captain of the Guard Charles L. Morton Steward Nathan L. Cross Service Knights 2018 Officers President..Michael Fritts Vice President...Larry Jenkins Secretary...John Howard Treasurer...Jon Greene Knights of St. Andrew 2018 Officers Chieftain Jim Parham Headsman...David Greenly Exchequer...Alan Pfeiffer Scribe....M. Logan Bryant Tulsa County Society 2018 Officers President...Kevin Bardy Vice President..Jim Parham Secretary..Michael Robedeaux Treasurer...Jay McCormick Outer Guard...Roger Sanford REGISTER AT EVENTS Make sure you take a moment to Register/Sign In at all the Scottish Rite Events! Attendance tracking is a great indicator of the success of our events, and we want to make sure accurate records are kept! The Tulsa Scottish Rite -2-

3 Tulsa Scottish Rite 2018 Spring Reunion YOUR Tulsa Scottish Rite Needs YOU! Saturday April 21 Sunday April 22 TIME TIME 7:00 Breakfast / Candidate Registration 7:00 Breakfast 7:40 Class Assembly Roll Call 7:40 Class Assembly Roll Call 8:00 Opening Ceremonies 8:00 18th Degree - Knight Rose Croix * Open the Lodge of Perfection 9:20 Open the Council of Kadosh Introduction to the Scottish Rite 19th, 20th, 21st Degrees Communicated 9:30 4th Degree - Secret Master 9:50 22nd Degree - Prince of Lebanon 10:20 5th Degree - Perfect Master * 10:25 AFFILIATE GROUP PRESENTATION 6th and 7th Degree Communicated 10:35 23rd Degree - Chief of the Tabernacle 11:00 8th Degree - Intendent of the Building 24th, 25th Degrees Communicated 9th and 10th Degree Communicated 11:25 26th - Prince of Mercy 11:40 11th Degree - Elu of the Twelve 27th, 28th Degrees Communicated 12th and 13th Degree Communicated CLASS ELECTION/PHOTO 12:00 LUNCH 12:05 LUNCH 1:00 CLASS ROLL CALL AND ASSEMBLY 1:00 CLASS ROLL CALL AND ASSEMBLY Awards Presentations 1:15 29th Degree - Knight of St. Andrew 1:15 13th Degree - Royal Arch of Solomon KSA PRESENTATION 2:10 14th Degree - Perfect Elu 2:00 Candidate Education Foundation Presentation Open the Chapter of Rose Croix 15th Degree - Communicated 2:50 30th Degree - Knight Kadosh 3:30 16th Degree - Prince of Jerusalem * Open the Consistory 17th Degree Communicated 31st Degree Communicated 4:20 32nd - Master of the Royal Secret Candidate Education on CAPS and REGALIA Candidate Q&A * Denotes a Passport Degree SCOTTISH RITE CANDIDATE PERPETUAL MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS EFFECTIVE 2018 A Perpetual Membership means you never have to pay Scottish Rite annual dues. Your investment will support the Valley forever! The Valley Initiation Fee is normally $175. The Scottish Rite Perpetual Membership is $850. PERPETUAL OPTION 1 Waive $175 Initiation Fee, Candidate purchases Perpetual Membership of $850 BEFORE the Reunion Save $175 and NEVER PAY ANNUAL SCOTTISH RITE DUES PERPETUAL OPTION 2 Pay $175 Initiation Fee, Candidate pays balance of $675 BEFORE the end of the Reunion Save $175 and NEVER PAY ANNUAL SCOTTISH RITE DUES PERPETUAL OPTION 3 Pay $175 Initiation Fee, Pay $700 for Perpetual within six months of Initiation Reunion Save $150 and NEVER PAY ANNUAL SCOTTISH RITE DUES After the six month period all Perpetual Memberships are $850. Tulsa Scottish Rite Masonic Regalia The Tulsa Scottish Rite is NOT the building we meet in, but rather is the Brethren who belong and support its programs, activities, and philanthropies that s you and me! Of course, no one person can do it all, but if we each do a little, we can accomplish great things. We need your help! Reunion Logistics Class Directors, Stage Managers, Registration, Sound and Lighting, Wardrobe and Make-up All of these need men in order to have a successful Reunion! If you have worked in, or you have a passing interest in an area, then please contact the Director of the Work Br. Stuart Lough at (918) or by at sslough1@hotmail.com. Membership We need a Lodge Representative for each Lodge within The Tulsa Valley s Jurisdiction. If you are interested in being the Representative to your Lodge, contact Br. Ronnie D. Taylor, Co-Membership Chairman at or Ron62Cal@valornet.com. The Tulsa Scottish Rite Valley Office has a detailed Regalia Case with merchandise for sale. If you are looking for Masonic Ties, Baseball Caps, Nametags, Cuff Links, Button Covers, or Auto Emblems, we are the place to visit. We also carry a very wide variety of Masonic Lapel Pins. We have varied merchandise for Blue Lodge, Scottish Rite, and York Rite. The Service Knights of the Valley of Tulsa operate the Regalia Case, and items are available for sale any time the Valley Office is open. We do not carry all items for all organizations, but we do have a good selection. If you are looking for something specific, please call or come by the Valley Office to see our selection. The Tulsa Scottish Rite -3-

4 2017 Honours Day On November 5, 2017 the three Valleys in the Orient of Oklahoma met to give the Investiture of the Knight Commander of the Court of Honour and to confer the 33, Inspector General Honorary. Illustrious Joe R. Manning, Jr., S G I G in Oklahoma, and both Ritual Teams did an excellent job in the execution of their duties, and the Orient is thankful for all their hard work. Valley of Tulsa - Orient of Oklahoma Inspectors General Honorary From left: David R. Ward, Illustrious Joe R. Manning, Jr., S G I G in Oklahoma, Glenn E. Almy, Anthony W. Keck 10/25/50 YEAR AWARDS CEREMONY and CELEBRATING THE CRAFT SATURDAY MAY 19th Saturday, May 19th, The Tulsa Valley will celebrate our milestone memberships. Our Annual Year Membership Awards will be presented by Illustrious Joe R. Manning, Jr., S G I G in Oklahoma beginning at 7:00 PM. The Valley will serve light finger-foods and drinks. This year we have 32 men celebrating 10 years of membership, 21 men celebrating 25 years of membership, and 12 men receiving their Blue Cap as 50 Year Scottish Rite Masons! This event will coincide with the 7th Annual Celebrating the Craft Web Event from the House of the Temple. The Web Event will run from 5:00PM 11:00 PM, with our Awards Ceremony taking place at 7:00 PM. Half of every dollar raised for this event will go directly to our RiteCare operations! Spread the word! All Masons, their wives, families, and guests are invited. Call the Valley Office at or Office@TulsaSR.com for more information! TULSA SCOTTISH RITE LODGE OF PERFECTION MEETINGS FIRST THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH DINNER AT 5:45 MEETING AT 7:00 MAKE PLANS TO ATTEND AND DON T FORGET YOUR CAP! The Tulsa Scottish Rite -4-

5 Valley of Tulsa - Orient of Oklahoma Knights Commander of the Court of Honour Seated, from left: Gen. Peter E. Ed Wheeler, Stephen E. Ridenour, Jr., Illustrious Joe R. Manning, Jr., 33, S G G in Oklahoma, Samuel D. Jarvis, Michael A. Fritts Standing, from left: James R. Taylor, Jr., Gregory A. Myers, Forrest B. Wood, William D. Jackson Tulsa Scottish Rite Completes VMAP In January 2015 the Supreme Council announced a new program the Valley Membership Achievement Project (VMAP). This program is designed to guide all Valleys in the Southern Jurisdiction, and is voluntary based on the Valley s preferences. The Tulsa Valley completed this challenge in 2015 and in 2016! Once again, in 2017, we completed the program with flying colors. We received a large plaque, certificates from the Supreme Council, and lapel pins for those instrumental in this achievement. We would like to thank all the men who put in hours of work throughout 2017 in our efforts. The Tulsa Valley will be participating in the program again in 2018 with Br. Jon Greene, 32, KCCH as our Valley VMAP Chairman. We know he will help us in achieving some amazing results! Education on the Rite Nite The Tulsa Scottish Rite is proud to promote our Lodge-Based Educational Program Education on the Rite Nite. Through a partnership with R.W. Br. Robert G. Davis, 33, G C, our RiteNite program brings the lessons and teachings of the Scottish Rite Degrees to the Blue Lodges in our jurisdiction. Each presentation offers insights on the deeply hidden meanings of our signs, symbols, and images, while adding historical context to the messages. You ll also learn how the Degrees were written and developed over the past 150 years, and how they became the exact Rituals we use today. This program has proved to be a huge success for the Valley of Tulsa. You don t want to miss out! Any Blue Lodge in our jurisdiction can host a RiteNite. The RiteNite will take place on a non-stated meeting evening, and the Lodge is not opened for business. The Scottish Rite will simply use your facility to hold an educational presentation. Due to the information presented, these meetings are for current Scottish Rite Masons only. If you would like to host a RiteNite, please contact the Valley Office! The Tulsa Scottish Rite -5-

6 Freemasonry: "from time, immemorial" By W Daniel Hanttula, 32 Masonry has been much celebrated for being the great "equalizer;" uniting all men regardless of class, stature, income and power. The Parisian Freemasons of 1744, in a public relations campaign, dubbed Freemasonry a "School of Virtue," expounding it as "the first time that men really concerned themselves with the needs of one another." Although this probably isn't the first (nor definitely the last) grand claim made about Masonry, it is important to note that private societies often put the necessities of the members of their organization above the individual need. And, in fact, a look back in history will reveal that this practice has always been a critical part of a virtuous society. A much earlier example is Ancient Greece's Syssitia, called Ἄνδρια in Crete (translated, among other masculine definitions, as "manhood"); an organization of unknown origin, requiring membership by unanimous ballot. This gathering was a meal for men, created by contributions from its membership and "followed by conversation, which was first directed to the public affairs of the state, and afterwards turned on valiant deeds in war and the exploits of illustrious men, whose praises might animate the younger hearers to an honourable emulation." Intemperance at the meal was strictly forbidden by law, and extra servings of the meal were often prepared for the member's wives and children. In some cases, memberships for the less fortunate citizens were supported by public funds or by more fortunate members contributing to the common meal. The Syssitia was divided into three classes; Acustici, Mathematici and Physici, all possessing secret signs to help members identify each other.while far less "structured" than today's ritualized degree system of Freemasonry, one cannot help but notice the amazing similarities to Masonry. Jumping forward more than two thousand years later, Freemasonry offers a clearer path, or, more accurately, a more defined system of education. Douglas Smith, in Working the Rough Stone, quotes an excerpt from the Master Mason degree of 18th century Russia "we have tried to inculcate within you the rules of true virtue, penetrating to your heart by all the paths known to man." And, later in his book, Smith calls out the unique working tools of Masonry's system of instruction; "Masonry's elaborate symbolic language, with its intricate systems of hieroglyphs and allegories, provided the medium through which these ideas and attitudes about the self were inculcated. Everywhere the Mason looked in the lodge, every text he read, every speech he heard and every ritual in which he participated impressed upon him the importance of working the rough stone within." The 4 th degree of the Scottish Rite, Secret Master, continues the impeccable use of Masonic iconography to properly equip the candidate during the first state of his Scottish Rite journey. He is introduced to the duality of the broad highway of duty and the labyrinth of error (and, immersed in symbols of black and white) as well as the Tree of Life. The tree contains nine virtues, matching the nine lights on the altar, in a degree set to mourn the loss of a man faithful until death. Oklahoma's own Jim Tresner states that the number nine symbolizes the perfection of perfection a stunning tribute to the master builder. These are truly compelling substances for the lessons in the first step in Scottish Rite Masonry. And, as an Entered Apprentice is presented an apron, which he will one day wear as a Master, the Secret Master is given a key, which will one day unlock the mysteries. One of this author s favorite visual concepts in the Secret Master degree, it is worn by Wardens and the Brethren just as, in some Masonic jurisdictions, members of a Craft lodge all change their apron to match the degree they are open upon. This is beautiful symbolism that we are all engaged in the same work; we all carry this same key with us. Although apparently a conscious decision to be abandoned by Preston, the ivory key was a significant symbol in earlier Craft Lodge work. The Masonic Service Association points out that the key, in Masonry, was historically used as a symbol of the tongue, and an early categorical lecture refers to the Tongue of good Report... as good Behind a Brother s Back as before his Face. In the Secret Master degree, the key once again alludes to secrecy and reminds us all to keep the True Word concealed in our hearts. The Lodge, as a special and sacred place, is designed for work of the most intimate nature, and as such would require suitable protections from those uncomfortable or unable to work at such a level. But the need for privacy may have been first required with the advent of 19th century sensationalist journalism briefly mentioned in the previous section. In 1890, the Harvard Business Review published an article titled "The Right to Privacy" wherein the authors observed "The press is overstepping in every direction the obvious bounds of propriety and of decency. Gossip is no longer the resource of the idle and of the vicious, but has become a trade, which is pursued with industry as well as effrontery." At a time when society, as a whole, worked toward enlightenment, so too, did they work to protect the private affairs of the individual from public scrutiny Cliff Porter, Masonic author and orator, at a private speaking engagement, acknowledged that Masonry uses, across its many degrees and orders, religious symbols that men have died for and been killed over. But, he was quick to point out, in Masonry these symbols are "celebrated" and explored in a private space with other, open-minded individuals. The Secret Master is a perfect example of this, as it introduces, in the very first degree of the Scottish Rite, the Kabbalah as a system of mystical thought. This "desire to strengthen the frayed bonds of humanity" using symbols of the very system that separates mankind outside the lodge, is a key factor in celebrating what we all share. As this article has illustrated, the elements of Freemasonry have been in existence prior to -and outside the walls of- the Masonic Lodge. Therefore one could say that if these elaborate practices have existed from "time immemorial," then the need for the anticipated results must, consequently, also have been always greatly desired. So, while Masonry may not be the first, or the only, example of the constant search for improvement of the self, the organization and the society, it may very well be the best example of all these laudable pursuits combined into a single experience. Albert Pike may have said it best when he observed that if [an association of persons] had been [Masonry s] whole purpose, it would never have been enabled to measure the term of its existence by centuries It outlasts the ages because its aims are higher and nobler than the mere communication of mysterious secrets or the affording of mutual and reciprocal assistance. It requires of its initiates that they shall be useful to society. It desires to be itself a benefactor of even unborn generations. And, for the modern man, who begins a dedicated Masonic journey today, he can be assured that the "social usefulness" of the Craft will remain a key component of his life regardless of how the world outside the Lodge may change. To always be a "real citizen, son, spouse and father who looks after the profit of others as well as his own" regardless of whether or not it is fashionable at the time. The Tulsa Scottish Rite -7-

7 ...the next 5 months at the Rite April: 5 th Lodge of Perfection Meeting Dinner at 5:45; Meeting at 7:00 10 th Cherokee County Scottish Rite Society Monthly Lunch 18 th Muskogee County Scottish Rite Society Monthly Lunch 19 th Tulsa Scottish Rite Monthly Lunch 12:00PM at Lambrusco z in downtown Tulsa 20 th Advisory Conference and Trustees Meeting 1:30PM at the Tulsa Scottish Rite 21 st - 22 nd Tulsa Spring Reunion 23 rd Valley Office Closed May: 3 rd Lodge of Perfection Meeting Dinner at 5:45; Meeting at 7:00 8 th Cherokee County Scottish Rite Society Monthly Lunch 10 th RiteNite at Wagoner Lodge #98 Dinner at 6:30, Presentation at 7:00 RSVP to Office@TulsaSR.com 16 th Muskogee County Scottish Rite Society Monthly Lunch 17 th Tulsa Scottish Rite Monthly Lunch 12:00PM at Lambrusco z in downtown Tulsa 19 th 10/25/50 Year Awards Ceremony and Celebrating the Craft Event 5PM-11PM Awards Presentation at 7:00PM at the Tulsa Scottish Rite 28 th Memorial Day Valley Office Closed June: 2 tnd Tulsa Valley s Flag Day Celebration (more information soon) 7 th Lodge of Perfection Meeting Dinner at 5:45; Meeting at 7:00 12 th Cherokee County Scottish Rite Society Monthly Lunch 20 th Muskogee County Scottish Rite Society Monthly Lunch 21 st Tulsa Scottish Rite Monthly Lunch 12:00PM at Lambrusco z in downtown Tulsa 26 th RiteNite at Flint Lodge #11 St. John the Baptist Day Presentation Dinner at 6:30, Presentation at 7:00 RSVP to Office@TulsaSR.com July: 4 th Independence Day Valley Office Closed 5 th Lodge of Perfection Meeting Dinner at 5:45; Meeting at 7:00 10 th Cherokee County Scottish Rite Society Monthly Lunch 18 th Muskogee County Scottish Rite Society Monthly Lunch 19 th Tulsa Scottish Rite Monthly Lunch 12:00PM at Lambrusco z in downtown Tulsa 21 st Statewide Special Event August: 2 nd Lodge of Perfection Meeting Dinner at 5:45; Meeting at 7:00 14 th Cherokee County Scottish Rite Society Monthly Lunch 15 th Muskogee County Scottish Rite Society Monthly Lunch 16 th Tulsa Scottish Rite Monthly Lunch 12:00PM, Lambrusco z in downtown Tulsa Wednesday Morning Social! Every Wednesday morning the Valley Office provides Coffee and Donuts at 9:00AM. Come by and catch up with your Brethren, work Ritual Language, or simply enjoy a hot cup of joe. CALLING ALL AUTHORS If you write or present on Masonic topics and wish to see your work helping your Brothers, contact the Valley Office! The Scottish Rite is the College of Freemasonry and we want to show our work! We will include your articles in our biannual Double Eagle News as well as on our website. Your work will help bring Masonic knowledge to the Valley as a whole! All topics! Tulsa Valley Office Hours Monday Thursday 8:00AM 4:30PM Office@TulsaSR.com If you need anything, don t hesitate to contact us Dues Report At the time of this writing, there are nearly 180 members who have not paid their 2018 Dues. Remember that your Dues should be paid in December of the preceding year. Your 2018 Dues should have been paid in December There are many options available to our Membership. You can mail a check or call us with a credit card. You may log onto and pay via Paypal. If necessary, you can provide multiple payments over a period of time. Please contact the Office at if there is a problem remitting your 2018 Dues. We are more than happy to assist our Membership, but only if we know there is a problem. The Tulsa Scottish Rite -6-

8 Advisory Conference/ Foundation Trustees Orient of Oklahoma Ill. Joe R. Manning, Jr., 33 Sovereign Grand Inspector General in Oklahoma Valley of Tulsa Advisory Conference Robert L. Fuller, 33 Chairman and Personal Representative Matthew T. Cargill, 32, KCCH General Secretary and Member Richard D. Sewell, 33 Member Gary A. Davis, 33 Member Joe A. Williams, 33 Member Andrew T. Rees, 32 Venerable Master, Lodge of Perfection John F. Nein, 32, KCCH Wise Master, Chapter of Rose Croix Lawrence L. Ashbaugh, 32, KCCH Commander, Council of Kadosh Michael A. Fritts, 32, KCCH Master of Kadosh, Tulsa Consistory Charitable and Educational Foundation Michael D. Maxey, 32, KCCH President David A. Carpenter, 33 Vice President Stephen E. Ridenour, Jr., 32, KCCH Treasurer Tulsa Scottish Rite P.O. Box H E. 51st St. Tulsa, OK ADDRESS SERVICES REQUESTED THE TULSA SCOTTISH RITE SPRING REUNION SAT-SUN APRIL Lambrusco z Deli Brookside ~ 2 GREAT LOCATIONS ~ Downtown Tulsa 1344 East 41st St. ~ ONLINE ORDERING ~ 2nd and Detroit Tulsa, OK ~ EVENT CATERING ~ 114-A S. Detroit Ave M-F 11AM-7PM M-F 7AM-4PM The 365 Club Have you heard about The Tulsa Charitable and Educational Foundation s 365 Club? It s a great program in which a Brother pledges $1.00 per day to the Endowment Fund of the Tulsa RiteCare Clinic! This $ donation is tax deductible, and it is a fantastic way to ensure your Tulsa RiteCare Clinic is funded each day. You can choose to make your donation all at once, or begin monthly installments until the full balance is reached. Please help our children by pledging $1.00 per day to the endowment fund of the Tulsa RiteCare Clinic! Special Request If you are a family member receiving the Double Eagle News for a member of the Tulsa Scottish Rite, please notify us at if this member is in the hospital or incapacitated in any way. TSR News We want to communicate in a more timely and effective manner with you! So, we have set up an just to get the word out. To get on the list, send us an requesting to be added to: Office@TulsaSR.com Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit #62 Tulsa, OK The Tulsa Scottish Rite Double Eagle News is published twice a year by the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Of Freemasonry, Valley of Tulsa 9525-H E. 51st Street PO BOX Tulsa, OK Phone: Fax: Office@TulsaSR.com