Valley of Bloomington Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, N.M.J. Cathedral News Volume XCI:3 January, 2019 Gregory L. Clark Class From left to right. Gregory L. Clark, Deputy for Illinois; Paul D. Watters, Valley of Peoria; Jeffrey T. Mercier; Donald R. Slover Sr.; John R. Walter; Brenden L. Andres; John M. Bogucki; Larry E. Raglan, Commander-in-Chief The 2018 Fall Reunion on November 2 & 3, 2018 was in honor of Brother Gregory L. Clark, Most Worshipful Grand Master of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Illinois. Brother Clark is also an Active Member of the Supreme Council, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction and Deputy for Illinois. A class of six candidates attended and became 32 Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret. In this Issue Gregory L. Clark Class / Reunion celebrated in photos Commander-in-Chief s Success from Dedication and pulling together Illinois Scottish Rite Scholarship Applications online 2019 Spring Reunion Activities 2019 Spring Reunion Degree Schedule Valley Valentine s Dinner Future Activities and Events In Next Issue of Cathedral News / through special announcements Past Presiding Officers Dinner, Wed., April 24, 2018 at The Ozark House Illinois Council of Deliberation at Springfield Wyndham, Sat. June 22, 2019 Supreme Council Session August 24 27, 2019, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Success from Dedication and Pulling Together 2018 FALL REUNION Brethren, Once again it gives me great pleasure to report that we had a suc cessful 2018 Fall Reunion held on November 2 nd and 3 rd. My congratulations go out to Brothers Brandon Andres, John Bogucki, John Walter, Donald Slover, and Jeffrey Mercier on becoming the newest members of the Valley of Bloomington. The next time you meet with any of these Brethren, please welcome them to the Valley. This reunion was not unlike many others. From the beginning stages of planning it was plagued with setbacks. However, I am pleased to report that by working together we were able to overcome every obstacle. My thanks go out to all who contributed to its success. I am most appreciative of the cast consisting of Illustrious Brethren Roger F. Aukerman, M.S.A., 33, Billy M. Burden, 33, and Andy S. Bender, 33, who in roughly two weeks were able to bring the 19 th Degree to life once more. Not to mention the extraordinary effort of Brother Mike Hiter, who managed wardrobe single-handedly. These brethren are only but a few who made a special effort to give our candidates the best reunion possible. The fall reunion was named in honor of our Most Worshipful Grand Master, Brother Gregory L. Clark, 33. At the Saturday evening banquet, we were privileged to recognize the efforts of our Grand Master as well as some of the other brethren of the Valley. This year the Bloomington Medal for Reunion Service was awarded to Brother Dorian James and Brother Duane Beal. While the Bloomington Medal for Service to Freemasonry was awarded to Illustrious Brother Robert H. Wright, 33, and Illustrious Brother Larry Lars E. LaBounty, 33. It was also my privilege to present the O. E. Hanning Jr. Fellowship Award to Illustrious Brother Harold Hal E. Gullet, 33, a few months ago. Join me in congratulating these brethren for their contributions to Freemasonry and the Valley. As is customary at our Fall Banquet, it was moving to watch our newest M.S.A. recipients, Brothers Adam Young and Ben Young be capped by their proud father Illustrious Brother Dave E. Young, 33. We also look forward to joining our candidates, Brother Steve Barr and Brother Theron Noth for next year s M.S.A. conferral. By the time you read these comments, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year s will have passed. Melissa and I hope you enjoyed a blessed holiday with family and friends. We have already started planning for our annual Valentine s Dinner on Saturday, February 9 and the 2019 Spring Reunion on March 2 nd. This issue of Cathedral News contains details for both events. I look forward to seeing you there on both occasions. Fraternally, Larry E Raglan Commander-in-Chief
2019 2020 Masonic Scholarships It s scholarship application season! Please pass the word on about our scholarships. This includes relatives, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Our Valley administrates scholarships for around 50 recipients. Applications are accepted until March 1. Requirements for each scholarship vary. Please review the web site and application for additional details. Our Valley s website, www.valleyofbloomington.org, includes a combined scholarship application form for the following scholarships: Health Career Fields Sherwood and Evelyn Kresin Open to the Public: In addition to our combined application, the A. Colville Wilson scholarship may be applied for under its own application Additional Scholarships through the Illinois Grand Lodge The Illinois Masonic Outreach Services (or IMOS) Scholarship is given annually to Illinois Master Mason s, Spouses, Widows, and Orphans for assistance in pursuing academic or trade school education. To learn more about this visit our Grand Lodge website at ILMason.org. The application is located under Member Resources / All Forms and Documents / Scholarships Roger Aukerman M.S.A., 33 Scholarship Chairman Require Masonic Relative: Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of Illinois Robert B. Perkins Louis L. Williams Abbott Scholarship Guys of the Rite Brother Timothy Longfellow I d like to begin by thanking Illustrious Brother Dan Leifel 33 for all his wonderful insights featuring the men of our valley and am proud to be one of brothers considered to continue this article featuring the many wonderful Guys of the Rite in the Valley of Bloomington. I remember the first time I met Stuart Palmer. He was our only candidate the year he joined the Scottish Rite and I was in the 14 th degree doing the investiture. While we got him prepared, the attention that he paid to every word that was said was met with reverence and a hunger to understand the true meaning.(no pressure). Stuart grew up in Aurora, IL. He came to Bloomington to attend Illinois State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Philosophy and is working on his Masters in Political Science. His Masonic record is that of someone twice his age having served not only as Master of Bloomington Lodge No. 43, but also as the Excellent High Priest of Bloomington Chapter No. 26 (Royal Arch Masons), Thrice Illustrious Master of Bloomington Council No. 43 (Cryptic Masons), Eminent Commander of DeMolay Commandery No. 24 (Knights Templar) as well as Excellent Grand Chaplain of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of Illinois for the 2017-2018 years. Stuart currently serves as the Senior Warden of Mount Cavalry Rose Croix and also is a member of the Widows Sons Masonic Riders Club, the Mohammed Shrine (Tin Lizzy Patrol), the Central Illinois Rite College No. 42 and Earl of Torell Council No. 42 Knight Masons. Stuart has become someone that I look up to in Freemasonry. His passion for his faith, family, and dedication to his brethren are all qualities I would use to describe him. You can always find him at reunions either helping on stage in a degree or telling stories and laughing with the brethren at an after glow. He ll be the one in the Black Watch Tartan (kilt) accompanied by his lady Lauren, who s smile and personality could brighten any room. Stuart embodies the passion we should all have for the many teachings we receive in our degrees and what it is to be an example Guy of the Rite!
Valley of Bloomington Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Scottish Rite Office (309) 828-6007 Presiding Officers Commander-in-Chief Larry E. Raglan Thrice Potent Master Jesse J. Slater Sovereign Prince Mark A. Keagle Most Wise Master Michael W. Tutter Executive Secretary Barry D. Weer, 33 Treasurer Michael R. Fowler, 33 Other Trustees 1st Lt. Commander Daniel S. Yandel 2nd Lt. Commander Patrick E. Schlehuber, MSA Deputy Master Timothy A. Longfellow High Priest Lance Lowery, M.S.A. Sr. Warden Stuart H. Palmer At-Large Trustee Roger F. Aukerman, M.S.A., 33 At-Large Trustee Robert H. Wright, 33 Donald R. Slover Sr, Class President Marseilles Lodge No. 417, Marseilles, Illinois Eternal Reward With sympathy and sorrow, we share in the loss of these, our Brothers. Montel B Metzger April 28, 1928 October 5, 2018 Bloomington, Illinois Thomas Antonino Speciale October 4, 1927 October 16, 2018 Lincoln, Illinois Duane R. Beal Jr, Pontiac, Illinois, Bloomington Medal for Reunion Service recipient and Charles Chuck Mariuzza III, Pekin, Illinois working at the degree passport table John Francis Hamilton November 15, 1929 October 29, 2018 Pontiac, Illinois Ali George Stahly Jr June 10, 1925 November 8, 2018 Eureka, Illinois Thomas Allen Stephens May 20, 1935 November 15, 2018 Forrest, Illinois Kay and Donald G. Anderson, M.S.A., Gridley, enjoying the Reunion Banquet
Gregory L. Clark, M.W.G.M. 2018 Fall Reunion Class PHOTOS, Clockwise from Top: Class Honoree Brother Gregory L. Clark, Grand Master Commander-in-Chief Raglan presenting Brother Gregory L. Clark, Most Worshipful Grand Master and Deputy for Illinois with commemorative plaque Newly capped Meritorious Service Award recipients Adam and Ben Young with proud father David E. Young, 33 Bloomington Medal for Service to Freemasonry awardees [from left] Robert H. Wright, 33 and Larry E. Lars LaBounty, 33 Class Orator Jeffrey T. Mercier with Grandparents Marilyn and Winford L. McElroy, 33
Special / Related Reunion Activities In appreciation of the dedication of our various cast and crew members working so diligently on the Spring Reunion, the Valley invites one and all on Friday evening, March 1 from 5:30 to 7:00 PM to enjoy some pizza and beer on stage at the BCPA. Come enjoy a relaxed time of fellowship, (casual attire) before the next day s, hectic one-day reunion. Cast and Crew Pizza Party A special invitation is being sent to our last class and this reunion s candidates, and their top-line signers. Indeed, all Scottish Rite members are welcome to attend. No program, just fellowship. No reservation required and no cost to you. See you on stage Friday, March 1, 2019 Lady s Night Out Friday, March 1, 2019 at the Bloomington Elk s Lodge 608 Seminary Street, Bloomington, IL 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Hors d oeuvres and Cash Bar All ladies are cordially invited to attend a Happy Hour while their men are enjoying pizza on stage Friday evening. Please R.S.V.P. for the Happy Hour when you sign up for the Reunion Activities with Constant Contact, so that we have a count for how many ladies will be attending. After Glow Reception An After Glow (Reception) will be held at the Ozark House, 704 S McGregor in Bloomington at 5:00 pm on Saturday, March 2nd following the Spring Reunion. All members, their ladies and guests are welcome. Heavy Hors d oeuvres while be provide and there will be a cash bar. We need to provide the Ozark House with a head count for food preparation, so please include your number when making reservations on line through our website.
Schedule of Events SPRING REUNION One-Day Saturday, March 2, 2019 Degree Schedule 7:30 AM Coffee, Juice, and Assorted Rolls 1:00 PM 13 - Master of the Ninth Arch 9:00 AM 4 - Master Traveler 2:00 PM 17 - Knight of the East and West 9:55 AM 7 - Provost and Judge 2:45 PM 26 - Friend and Brother Eternal (Video) 10:40 AM 8 - Intendant of the Building 3:30 PM 32 - Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret 11:30 AM 12 - Prince of Mercy 5:00 PM 11:55 AM Lunch After Glow at the Ozark House (reservations required) Meals Our Spring Reunion will be a one-day event on March 2, 2019. Coffee, juice and assorted rolls will be available beginning at 7:30 AM prior to the Fourth Degree presentation. A Soup and Sandwich lunch will be served at 11:55 AM. Cost for lunch will be $10 per member. Reservations need to be made through Constant Contact at https://conta.co/2cowrhf or a reservation link on our web page. www.valleyofbloomington.org If you have difficulty with the on-line reservation, you may give the office a call at (309) 828-6077 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 (noon) and we will assist you. Please leave a message during closed office hours and we will get back to you. Reservation deadline is Wednesday, February 28, 2019 The D. D. Darrah Thirty-Third Club members and their ladies celebrated the Holiday Season with a Festive Dinner with toasts to Darrah, Freemasonry, and the Ladies: Upper right photo Around the table from the left: Sandy Young; Susan and Larry Lars LaBounty; Michael and Tena Fowler; and Dave Young Lower photo Around this table from left: Robert H. Wright; Robin and Sharon Carr; Kristin and Jerald Starks; and Billy Burden. We will strive to be a fraternity that fulfills our Masonic Obligation to care for our members
Feast of St. Valentine Scottish Rite Valley of Bloomington honoring our Ladies Bakery and Pickle [An Epiphany Farms Restaurant] Saturday, February 9th, 2019 $60.00 per couple Limited Seating Reservations (first come / first served) 5:00 PM gathering time with cash bar and Appetizers 5:30 PM Multi-course Dinner Individual selections from a special entrée menu Dessert assortment Go to http://conta.cc/2fgbetn and make your reservations on line. Bloomington Consistory Ancient Accepted Scottish RIte PO Box 3695 Bloomington, IL 61702-3695 ADDRESS SERIVCE REQUESTED Non-Profit Organization US Postage Paid Bloomington, IL Permit No. 37