THE RITE RECORDER Valley of Cincinnati www.32masons.com November 2013 Fall Class Honors Grand Master Update from the Planning Committee Meet the Beast of New Orleans
THE RITE RECORDER Volume 70 No. 4 Cincinnati Masonic Center 317 East Fifth Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 3399 513-421 3579 800-561 3579 Fax: 513-562 2661 Web: www.32masons.com EDITOR Ben P. Rosenfield, 32 benr@32masons.com BOARD OF TRUSTEES Chairman William M. Judd II, 32 Vice Chairman Dwight D. Wilson, 33 Members at Large K. Douglas Akers, 32º Donald E. Hoffman, 33 Jeffrey P. Waltz, 33º A Crossroad of Conscience A letter from M. Todd McIntosh, 33º, chairman, Long Range Planning Committee Our membership is an ever-changing group of men. Our craft is handed down from generation to generation, each with new technologies and opportunities. Our Sacred Space, our Masonic Center, an icon of Freemasonry for over 86 years, has been a part of that tradition. It has been a central gathering place for tens of thousands of brothers through those years and, yes, it has changed too. While our Trustees ardently strive to maintain our beautiful home, she is very old. Keeping a careful eye on the horizon, we must ask some hard questions: As a public monument to Freemasonry, does our current building fulfill current expectations of our institution? Does it reflect the values and abilities of our Craft? Does she command sufficient respect among her peers? Do laymen (those who may someday become Masons, who are unlearned in the traditions of our Craft) see our structure as but an old building; evidence of an organization that may be all right but certainly is not a leading force in our community? Does she excite the desire to belong among laymen and Masons? Can this venerable building, grown old in exalted service and so dear to the memories of us older brethren, be sufficient inspiration to our younger members to accomplish great things? These same issues were posed to our Masonic Fathers in 1924, when the New Masonic Temple Campaign was initiated to fund what we now call our sacred space. Our forefathers looked carefully at their present situation and ultimately answered to the call of the future. They determined that moving forward by creating a new Masonic Temple, a Center for Freemasonry, would provide the necessary impetus to insure the success of the future of Cincinnati Freemasonry and they were right. Our building is an inspiring monument to our forefather s vision of the future. It commands endearing respect as a Masonic landmark and I believe she does add to the desire to belong to our brotherhood. But the next questions are the hard ones: Is our current economic model sustainable? Do we risk depleting our assets in maintaining our current facility? Is our future at risk if we do nothing? Should not we sacrifice our affections for this honorable edifice; we who have gained momentum from long years of service and enjoyment, in order that younger and future members may be encouraged to carry on in the true spirit of CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 PRESIDING OFFICERS Gibulum Lodge of Perfection L. John Lasonczyk, 32 Dalcho Council, Princes of Jerusalem Richard J. Shields, 32 Cincinnati Chapter of Rose Croix John H. Donohoo, 32 Ohio Consistory Edward C. McIntyre, 32 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Robert W. Dumford, 33 rdumford@32masons.com FRATERNAL SECRETARY Michael A. Himes, 33 mhimes@32masons.com SECRETARY EMERITUS John R. Teller, Jr., 33 TREASURER David A. Girmann, 32 TYLER Keith L. Clepper, 32 THE SUPREME COUNCIL Deputy for the State of Ohio William R. Powers, Jr., 33 Sovereign Grand Commander John Wm. McNaughton, 33 Active Member at Large Robert O. Ralston, 33, P.S.G.C. Active Member Emeritus Alfred E. Rice, 33 513-421-1600 / bermanprinting.com Printer of record for The Rite Recorder
Brother Benjamin Franklin Butler: Beast of New Orleans Learn about this colorful character s impact on the Masonic side of the Civil War BY NICK KURZYNSKI, 32º The year is 1861; the month, June; and the 3rd Regiment, New York Volunteers is encamped at Camp Hamilton, VA about one mile from a small village called Hampton and two miles from Fortress Monroe. The village had been deserted by its frightened populace, who left libraries, homes, meeting places, and businesses exposed to anyone who wanted to loot them. After the villagers deserted the town, a mob of former slaves descended on it, took whatever they needed for their survival, and destroyed what they did not want. Brother J.H. Chase of the 3rd Regiment, New York Volunteers heard that there was a Masonic Hall in Hampton and, fearing for its safety, reported this to the commanding general, Brother and Maj. Gen. Benjamin Franklin Butler. Bro. Chase was ordered to proceed with sufficient force to the Masonic Hall and take charge of the Masonic property and report back to Maj. Gen. Butler. The detachment was commanded by Wor. Bro. John Mulford, Worshipful Master of Mystic Lodge No. 131 of New York and was accompanied by Bro. and Lt. William E. Blake, Senior Warden of Excelsior Lodge No. 195 of New York. Maj. Gen. Butler was an interesting figure. He was a member of Pentucket Lodge, Lowell, MA. During the first part of the war, Butler secured all of Maryland and Washington, D.C. for the Union. Butler declared all escaped slaves who made it into his area as Contraband of War. These slaves were considered free and were not to be returned to their owners. His declaration of Contraband of War came a year before President Lincoln declared the slaves free in his great Emancipation Proclamation speech. President Lincoln thought very highly of Butler and promoted him to be the first Major General of the Volunteers. Butler served also in the south in New Orleans, where he was the military governor. After the city was captured, Butler ordered the implementation of harsh regulations to control the civilians and, due to his treatment of the civilians, he was given the moniker, Beast of New Orleans. His treatment of the civilians is still remembered today. In Hampton, VA, Bro. Butler s detachment of the New York Volunteers found the hall where St. Tammany Lodge No. 5 met. Most of the furniture and regalia was found, along with records and warrants. One warrant was dated 1787. The jewels are in the possession of the Lodge today. Bro. Chase kept these furnishings in his possession, hoping to return them to Richmond, VA, when he had the opportunity. But due to the war, Bro. Chase was not able to reach Richmond, so he had to transfer everything to M.W.B. John S. Berry, Grand Master of Maryland. These furnishings, regalia, warrants, and records were brought to and stored at a Lodge in Baltimore, MD. They were eventually shipped to the Grand Lodge of Virginia with this statement included in Bro. Chase s letter to the Grand Master of Maryland: When this property shall be returned to our Brethren in Virginia, please convey them our fraternal regards, and say although we come in the defense of our rights, as we honestly believe, still we come not to wage war upon an order expressly founded to inculcate the exercise of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. The furniture of the Lodge, which Bro. Chase had saved for the Brothers of St. Tammany Lodge, consisted of items of ritual significance: the bible, square, and compasses. A Masonic meeting cannot begin without these items. Masonic regalia also included chairs, podiums, and additional equipment used in degree work, such as a sword. The Lodge warrant or charter would be of great concern to any Mason. Without this charter, a Masonic Lodge would not be able to function and bring new members into the fold. Masonic soldiers finding these warrants or charters, often printed on vellum or sheepskin, in destroyed Masonic halls would go to great lengths to ensure their rightful return. St. Tammany Lodge No. 5 is still in existence in Hampton, VA, although Hampton was burned in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. A Lodge in Hampton was traced through Scottish records to the date of March 9, 1756, when the Grand Lodge of Scotland issued a warrant for a Lodge to begin in the Colony of Virginia. There was also a Lodge that was warranted in Hampton on February 26, 1759 by the Grand Lodge of England. The earlier Lodge became dormant, and it has not been determined whether there was any connection between the Scottish and English warranted Lodges. The name of St. Tammany came into use under the English warrant. The name Tammany is thought to have originated from the chief of the Delaware Indians. SOURCES Masonic Review 28, no. 9, (1863): 266-267 Halleran, Michael A. The Better Angels of Our Nature St. Tammany Lodge, Hampton, VA, http://www.vamason.org/no5 Pentucket Lodge, Lowell, MA, http://www.pentucketlodge.org
Fall 2013 Reunion Honors the Grand Master of Masons in Ohio Don t miss this chance to meet up with friends, see the finest in degree work, and welcome the Ill. Norman J. Mick, 33º Class Brethren, the Fall 2013 Reunion is but days away. Don t miss this great opportunity to reconnect with friends, enjoy some fine fellowship, see some magnificent Scottish Rite degrees, and meet the new Grand Master of Masons in Ohio the guest of honor and the namesake of the Fall Class. Most Worshipful Brother Norman J. Mick, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio, served as Most Wise Master, Cincinnati Chapter of Rose Croix, from 2002-2004. The Valley of Cincinnati is proud to welcome him home just weeks after his installation as Grand Master. The Scottish Rite is a place where you can make close friendships, enjoy a wide range of great programs, and experience wonderful degree work the finest of which comes from the Valley of Cincinnati, M.W.B. Mick says. Some of my most memorable moments in Scottish Rite came as an officer, where you learn to serve your Brethren. I look forward to spending time with everyone and meeting our newest Scottish Rite Masons. This will be a great weekend. M.W.B. Mick served as Worshipful Master of Hoffner Lodge No. 253 in 1986. He was president of the First Masonic District Officers Association in 1992 and was commissioned a District Deputy Grand Master for the First Masonic District of Ohio in 2005-2006. He was created a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33, Honorary Member of the Supreme Council, on September 23, 2002. M.W.B. Mick was appointed Junior Grand Deacon of the Grand Lodge of Ohio in October of 2006 by M.W.B. Michael A. Himes. He was elected and installed Grand Master of Masons in Ohio at the annual communication of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, held October 18-19, 2013 in Akron, OH. EVENT PARKING Scottish Rite Masons and candidates for the Fall 2013 Class may enjoy parking, courtesy of the Valley of Cincinnati, in the Chiquita Center Garage at 250 E. Fifth St., Cincinnati, OH 45202. To park at no charge, members must present current Scottish Rite dues cards; candidates must present materials for the Fall Class sent to them by the Valley of Cincinnati. AASR VALLEY OF CINCINNATI 2013 Fall Reunion and Ill. Norman J. Mick, 33 Class FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013 5:30 p.m. Candidate Registration (Chapel) 7:00 p.m. 4, Master Traveler 7:30 p.m. Social Time SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2013 7:00 a.m. Member Registration (Founders Hall) Candidate Registration (Chapel) 8:00 a.m. Candidate Welcome 8:30 a.m. 12, Master of Mercy 9:40 a.m. 14, Grand Elect Mason 11:20 a.m. 15, Knight of the East 12:30 p.m. Luncheon (Ballroom) 1:40 p.m. 18, Knight of Rose Croix 3:25 p.m. 32, Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret 5:00 p.m. Banquet (Ballroom) Scottish Rite Choir Presents Holiday in Voices Join us this year as we celebrate the holiday season on Sunday, December 1, 2013 with you, your family, and friends with music about special times together, says Brent Ludwick, 33º, choirmaster. The Cincinnati Masonic Center will open at 2:00 p.m. with refreshments and pictures with Santa for children of all ages. A snow village will be on display in Founders Hall, and light refreshments will be available there, too. The program will start at 3:00 p.m. and last about an hour. This year s program features a choral medley, titled, Christmas Time is Here. Some featured songs will be Christmas Time is Here, Deck the Halls, I ll be home for Christmas, It s Beginning to Look Like Christmas, Santa Baby, Frosty the Snowman, and more. We re planning for a guest appearance by Frosty himself and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. We look forward to seeing you there.
Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry VALLEY OF CINCINNATI, DISTRICT OF OHIO 317 East Fifth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202-3399 Near the B... B... and under the C... C... of the zenith that corresponds with 39º 6 N. Latitude, 84º 27 W. Longitude Cincinnati, Ohio, 20 To the Officers and Members of Gibulum Lodge of Perfection, 14º Dalcho Council, Princes of Jerusalem, 16º Cincinnati Chapter of Rose Croix, 18º Ohio Consistory, Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, 32º This petition is valid for the Fall 2013 Reunion only. Greetings: I, the undersigned hereof, humbly show that I am desirous of being admitted as a member of your Honorable Body, and humbly request that I may be received among you, and I will ever pray for the prosperity and glory of the Fraternity and the welfare of the brethren. In making this application I promise on my word of honor that should I be elected and become a member of your Honorable Body, I subscribe to the following Oath of Fealty: I, the undersigned, do hereby promise on my word of honor, and swear true faith, allegiance, and fealty to the Supreme Council of Sovereign Grand Inspectors General of the Thirty-third and Last Degree of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States of America, sitting at its Grand East in the Town of Lexington, Massachusetts, and will support and abide by its Constitutions, Orders, and Decrees. That I will hold allegiance to the said Supreme Council and be loyal thereto, as the supreme authority of the Rite; will hold illegal and spurious every other Body that may be established within its Jurisdiction, claiming to be a Supreme Council; and every other Body of said Rite within the same Jurisdiction that does not hold its powers from said Supreme Council and will hold no communication whatsoever in Scottish Rite Masonry with any member of the same nor allow him to visit any Body of the Rite of which I may be a member; and I will dispense justice to my brethren according to the laws of equity and honor. And should I violate this, my solemn vow and pledge, I consent to be expelled from Scottish Rite Masonry, and all rights therein and in any Body of the Rite, and to be denounced to every Body of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite in the world as a traitor and forsworn. And may God aid me to keep and perform the same. Amen. Recommended by (must be members of the Valley of Cincinnati) Signature SIGN NAME IN FULL SIGN HERE FEE: $100.00 Gold-plated 14º ring, passport, and dues for the current year PRINT NAME AND MEMBER NUMBER HERE SIGN HERE PRINT NAME AND MEMBER NUMBER HERE FEE: $200.00 OR 10K gold 14º ring, passport, and dues for the current year Not less than $100.00 must accompany petition. Make checks payable to and mail or deliver to: Secretary, Valley of Cincinnati, A.A.S.R., 317 E. Fifth St., Cincinnati, OH 45202-3399. FILL IN FORM ON REVERSE SIDE.
DATA FOR SCOTTISH RITE RECORDS Full name (print clearly your first, middle, and last names in full no initials) Date of birth (month/day/year) Present age Primary e-mail address Primary phone Place born Have you resided in Ohio for the past 12 months? r Yes r No How long? Name, number, and location of Lodge in which you were raised Year raised Name, number, and location of Lodge in which you are currently a Master Mason in good standing Were you a DeMolay? r Yes r No Are you a Past Master? r Yes r No Lodge Year Have you ever petitioned for Scottish Rite Degrees before and been accepted or rejected? r Yes r No If yes, to which Valley and when? Occupation or profession Name of business Location of business Business phone Residence Residence phone I certify the above answers are true and correct. PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY Signature COMPLETE IF PAYING BY CREDIT CARD r Visa r Master Card Number Name Address City State ZIP Amount Exp. date County
Supreme Council Updates Passport Program The Supreme Council, NMJ, recently announced that is has updated the passport recognition program. The changes affect the way in which those who have completed all 29 Scottish Rite degrees are recognized for the accomplishment. The program still requires a member who has completed all 29 degrees to have the Valley secretary certify the validation of degrees within the booklet. The secretary then submits the certified booklet to Supreme Council for recognition and certificate. The changes that have been made do not affect how the program works just the recognition items. The Supreme Council has designed the certificate to be more aligned with other Supreme Council certificates, and the Supreme Council will now issue a gold passport to members as a recognition that they have completed the degree cycle at least once. If you see a gold passport, congratulate the Brother! CROSSROAD OF CONSCIENCE, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 Masonry without the burden of advancing deterioration? Frankly, our grand lady s increasing age and ever emerging problems must cause us to look to whether or not we shall sacrifice our own affections, to whatever degree, in order to sustain the future of our beloved bond. Preserving her comes at a costly price every year. Those costs, without intervention, forebode sincere economic difficulty. Her need threatens to outrun our available resources and to endanger our fiscal stability in the near future. Our path has come, willing or not, to a crossroad which we cannot avoid. If we choose to do nothing, the building s costs will be our undoing in as short as seven years and we can consider closing our doors. We can plan to sell it all for what the market will bear and become, as other Valleys have, a Virtual Valley with no physical presence in the community or we may seek to move to another building. We can, alternatively, commit, each of us, individually and as a Valley, to changing our footprint and revamping our Center so that future generations could enjoy a home such as we have during our lives as Masons. These are some of the issues that our Board of Trustees faces as they steward our assets and look out for our future. Having identified several options across the spectrum of the status quo to those bearing significant change, we on the Long Range Planning Committee are now working very hard to explore them all and secure answers to the questions that are the underpinning of our recommendations to our Board of Trustees. In furtherance of that task, we have identified two outside experts in our community to assist us in evaluating the advisability of the options that lay before us. One firm will assist us in determining the place our property holds in the Southwestern Ohio market and the available options that may exist that could meet the needs of our Valley in the future. The second firm that the Valley has relied upon through the years, will bring to the table the evaluation of our infrastructure and its current and future potential. The cooperative team formed will be able to utilize a broad base of experience to drill down to the core of our needs and move us expeditiously to forming answers to the necessary and tough questions that the board is asking. You may rest assured that your Board of Trustees is committed and will not rest until they have a plan to secure our future. They demand of us tough answers to tough questions. We are resolved to do all that we can to fulfill those demands and are excited to have joined with significantly talented people in our quest for the future Sacred Space of our brotherhood. UPCOMING EVENTS NOVEMBER 6 Breakfast Lecture Series University of Cincinnati President Santa J. Ono is the speaker. Visit www.cincinnatimasoniccenter.com/bls or call 513-421-3579 to register. NOVEMBER 8-9 Fall 2013 Reunion M.W.B. Norman J. Mick, 33º, is the class honoree for the Fall 2013 Reunion, which starts with the 4º and a social program on Nov. 8. The next day will feature the conferral of the 12º, 14º, 15º, 18º, and 32º, a luncheon, and a banquet. DECEMBER 1 Holiday in Voices The Cincinnati Masonic Center opens at 2:00 p.m.; the program starts at 3:00 p.m. FEBRUARY 12, 2014 Breakfast Lecture Series Laura Brunner, president of the Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority, is the speaker. SOCIAL MEDIA Keeping up to date with the Valley of Cincinnati is easy. We offer six convenient ways to keep you in the know. The Valley of Cincinnati sends The Rite Recorder, its official publication, to all members ten times per year. Our e-news service e-mails announcements to subscribers electronically as soon as information becomes available. Signing up for our e-news service is free and easy. To subscribe, simply visit www.32masons.com, and enter your e-mail address in the sign-up form. The Valley of Cincinnati s Website is updated regularly with useful content about events, programs, promotions, and more. Facebook, the world s most populated social-networking site, is yet another electronic medium we use to communicate our initiatives to members and promote our fraternity to prospective members. We can t say much with the 140-character limit Twitter imposes, but the site is popular with folks on the go. Our feed is updated automatically when content is posted to our Website. We re on Instagram, too, and use it to show candid and behind-the-scenes photos from our events. Instagram also enables us to invite members to contribute photos. Website www.32masons.com Facebook www.facebook.com/32masons Instagram www.instagram.com/32masons Twitter www.twtter.com/32masons
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