July 2016 July 2016 Photograph by Bro. Harold E. Hoch, 32 24 Brethren were created Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, 32 Scottish Rite Masons on May 21, 2016. Joining the Class and the Marshalls in this photo are: Darwin A. Kerper, Jr., Sovereign Prince; Bruce M. Cronrath, Most Wise Master; Michael J. Huck, Thrice Potent Master; Ill. Russell W. Baker, 33 MOH, Active Emeritus; Ill. Irwin A. Kohler, 33, Commander-in-Chief; and Ill. Harry E. Hackman, Jr., 33, Second Lieutenant Commander. IN THIS ISSUE Page 1 Spring Reunion Class Of 2016 Page 2&3 Presiding Officer Messages Commander-in-Chief Thrice Potent Master Sovereign Prince Most Wise Master Page 4 In Memoriam You Belong to a County Club Page 5 Hospitaler Awards Scholarship Four Abbott Scholarships Page 6 Membership Social Page 7 Samson Worship with C-in-C One Day Masonic Journey Page 8 Chester County Club Chicken BBQ Pagoda Club Movie & Chili Night Lancaster County Club Seafood Night The Golden Eagles Fashion Show Thank You Page 9 Family Picnic Page 10 Ontelaunee Club Pancake & Sausage Stag Page 11 Feast of Tishri Page 12 Family Picnic Welcome Spring Reunion Class of 2016 Barry G. Bertolet Oley, PA Boyertown Lodge No. 741 Patrick F. Bone Douglassville, PA Spring Ford Lodge No. 553 William S. Bullen Pottstown, PA Stichter Lodge No. 254 James M. Cocuzza Mount Penn, PA Reading Lodge No. 549 Christian D. Dubbs West Chester, PA West Chester Lodge No. 322 George R. Fields Topton, PA Huguenot Lodge No. 377 Alan C. Golden Boyertown, PA Boyertown Lodge No. 741 Quinn J. Hair Douglassville, PA Teutonia Lodge No. 367 Michael R. Hand Fogelsville, PA Huguenot Lodge No. 377 Charles A. Hill Reading, PA St. John s Lodge No. 435 Donald C. Himmelreich, Jr. Shillington, PA Reading Lodge No. 549 Franklin S. Judd Lancaster, PA Manheim Lodge No. 587 Joseph F. Logic, Jr. Gap, PA Lodge No. 62 David C. Mellema Parkesburg, PA Skerrett Lodge No. 343 Todd A. Stover Pottstown, PA Stichter Lodge No. 254 Royce A. Strohl Mohrsville, PA Lodge No. 62 William F. Struk Reading, PA Charity Lodge No. 90 Robert H. Vaiden New Tripoli, PA Huguenot Lodge No. 377 Jeffrey B. Vickers Elverson, PA Lodge No. 62 Robert E. Walton Limerick, PA Spring Ford Lodge No. 553 David A. Weller Orwigsburg, PA Cressona Lodge No. 222 William E. Witman Fleetwood, PA Huguenot Lodge No. 377 Justin D. Woodruff Gilbertsville, PA Stichter Lodge No. 254 Efrem A. Yates Lancaster, PA Skerrett Lodge No. 343 Degrees conferred as a Courtesy to the Valley of New York Urie Ramganase Jamaica, NY Joseph Warren-Gothic Lodge No. 934 Carl A. Raymo Marlboro, NY Franklin Lodge No. 2
The Commander-in-Chief Thrice Potent Master s Corner Kenneth R. Good, 32 Wow!! What a GREAT spring reunion, with 24 candidates signing up!! Thank you to all the outgoing officers and my congratulations to all the newly installed officers. I see great leadership on the horizon for the Valley of Reading. I know our lineage will continue far into the future. I would like to personally congratulate Ill. Robert W. Fries, 33 upon receiving the Lifetime Achievement award presented to him from the Valley of Reading. Bob is one whose commitment and dedication to our valley represents the true meaning of heartfelt masonry. Congratulations Bob! Now relax and enjoy the summer. Speaking of summer, I do believe the older I get the faster the time passes. Honestly, it seems there is only 6 months to a year; with the installation of officers, proms, graduations, weddings, and planning for vacations where DOES the time go? Summer in my childhood meant fishing with my dad, playing ball and picnics with the family. When we got on mom s nerves, she would tell us to go play or find something to do. Rainy days she would simply say go make your own fun, so we did! But more so, we would take the time to dream. It was hard to figure out what was going on at times, struggling to understand events of the day all the while wondering what the future held. In any case, to do that we needed quiet time; time to do nothing! My grandparents sat on the porch on summer evenings saying little, just enjoying the quiet sounds of nature. Cheryl and I have a similar ritual, sitting on the porch watching the butterflies, listening to the birds sing and marveling at sunsets. Sometimes it s good to do nothing, to just be, and reflect on the past, present and future. Here is wishing you and yours the opportunity to enjoy a few moments of quiet time this summer, but remember to mark your calendars and we will see you all at the family picnic, Sunday, July 24 at the Shrine Complex 2-6. Until then, safe travels! Sincerely and fraternally, Irwin A. Kohler 33 Commander-in- Chief Greetings from the Lodge of Perfection. Summer is in full swing and we all are busy with our daily lives but we cannot forget that we are Masons and we should not forget our great Fraternity! There are many activities at the Valley over the next few months so make sure you read the newsletters to keep you in touch with all that is going on. The Family Picnic at the Shrine Complex is a great opportunity for the whole family to enjoy a Scottish Rite outing, so make every effort to attend this fun event! Let s not forget our Brethren who are unable to attend events at the Valley. Contact a few of them by phone to see how they are doing. Better yet, visit them. I m sure a personal visit would perk them us as well as letting them know they are not forgotten. I have to echo the sentiments of my predecessor when I say that I have enjoyed my journey through the line in Lodge of Perfection and would probably not have gotten as much from being a Scottish Rite Mason as I have by being involved, not only in this Lodge, but also by participating in the reunions. To all, have a safe and wonderful summer and I look forward to see you at the coming events at the Valley! Sincerely and fraternally, Kenneth R. Good Thrice Potent Master VALLEY NOTICE Is a publication of the four bodies of the Valley of Reading, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction and is the official notice of meetings, events and activities of the Valley. Editor: Dick Miller, 32 Associate Editor: Megan Harris The Valley of Reading, A.A.S.R. P.O. Box 6013 West Reading, PA 19610 Phone: 610-373-0722 Fax: 610-373-0795 Email: valley.of.reading@comcast.net 2
Sovereign Prince Speaks Carey M. Kaucher, 32 Most Wise Master s Moment Jeffrey S. Moyer, 32 On October 25, 1915 the Supreme Council of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States of America, officially constituted C. Gilbert Steffe, Council of Princes of Jerusalem in the Valley of Reading, Pennsylvania. As I reflect back on the long line of past Sovereign Princes, that have served before me, I feel honored to be following in their footsteps, and humbled to be able to carry on the responsibilities as your Sovereign Prince. I feel that my 41 years in Freemasonry serving twice as Worshipful Master, many years as a Trustee and now as Lodge Secretary, have helped prepare me to serve as Sovereign Prince and further the administrative roll entrusted to me. With the help of those who have served before me and the line of officers following me, we can maintain and improve the effectiveness of the Sovereign Prince line in making the Valley of Reading a preeminent and vibrant Valley in Pennsylvania. I saw a great message on Facebook, which read as follows: If you haven t been to a Scottish Rite function in a while ATTEND! If you don t know anyone anymore INTRODUCE YOURSELF! If there s a lot of younger guys at Scottish Rite now IMPART SOME WISDOM! Don t expect others to know how you feel. Truth be told I was one of those; not being at a meeting for about fifteen years. Circumstances in my life changed and I took the step to see what was going on at Scottish Rite. I put myself out there and am so thankful that I did. The people I have met, the friends I have made, as well as my wife s involvement with me, along the way, have been so rewarding to both of us. My hunger for the Fraternity, is far from fully nourished and don t know that it will ever be satisfied. Don t be a stranger come back, search me out and say HELLO. God Bless. The older we get the faster time passes. I swear I started this journey through the Rose Croix line a couple years ago and now it s my turn to serve as Most Wise Master. I hope I can do as good a job as the Most Wise Masters who served before me. I want to thank Illustrious Brother John Nestor and Illustrious Brother Harry Hackman for asking me to serve in the Rose Croix line and thank all of the Past Wise Masters for their support throughout the years. I also want to thank the current officers: Gary Dukeman, John March, Keith Meitzler, Seth Anthony, Robert Trimble, and waiting in the wings Bud Willard and Harry Smith. One of my duties as Most Wise Master is to write a message for the Valley Notice. This is the first of three messages. By the time you are reading this message it will be July, a slower time in the Valley. Instead of mentioning current and upcoming events in the Valley I want to tell you why Freemasonry, especially Scottish Rite Masonry, is important to me. They say change is inevitable. In the business world fundamental change is called a paradigm shift. In the past year the judicial and executive branches of the Federal government have issued decisions that make my head spin. I guess you would call this a paradigm shift. Being active in the Scottish Rite Masonry and in my Blue Lodge, there are times I do not want to attend a meeting, a rehearsal, or a dinner, but I go and I m always glad I did because I need to be with my Brothers. I need to be with men with similar beliefs and values, men who struggle with the many changes in our society. Together we can make sense of what seems to be chaos. Together we can accept these changes as our Brothers before us accepted change. Spending time with my Brothers is very important to me. Fraternally, Carey M. Kaucher Sovereign Prince Have a great summer. See you in the fall. Fraternally, Jeffrey S. Moyer Most Wise Master 3
IN MEMORIAM The Valley of Reading remembers with respect the Following Brethren whose deaths have been reported Since the last publication of the Valley Notice. You Belong to a County Club, Enjoy Your Scottish Rite Membership Fully! Willard W. Heinbach June 5, 2014 Lodge No. 222 Edward L. Segall January 7, 2015 Lodge No. 591 John L. Seasholtz June 23, 2015 Lodge No. 741 Raymond G. Donnelly February 18, 2016 Lodge No. 254 William P. Thomas March 29, 2016 Lodge No. 660 Thomas F. Murphy April 3, 2016 Lodge No. 227 Denton L. Miller April 14, 2016 Lodge No. 665 Robert R. Holsclaw April 19, 2016 Lodge No. 340 Felix V. Zaffiro May 10, 2016 Lodge No. 227 Thomas L. Miller, Sr. May 26, 2016 Lodge No. 549 David J. Baker, Jr. May 31, 2016 Lodge No. 62 Robert E. Penman November 2, 2014 Lodge No. 778 John J. Ross June 2, 2015 Lodge No. 383 G. Robert Dintaman December 4, 2015 Lodge No. 737 Paul E. Trace March 23, 2016 Lodge No. 383 John F. Taylor April 1, 2016 Lodge No. 383 Harold L. Mountz April 4, 2016 Lodge No. 665 Adam J. Zerbe April 14, 2016 Lodge No. 307 Kenneth E. Miller April 25, 2016 Lodge No. 254 Warren J. Linderman, Jr. May 25, 2016 Lodge No. 227 Roy A. Kurtz May 29, 2016 Lodge No. 227 Harry T. Sell June 3, 2016 Lodge No. 665 Every Brother who becomes a Scottish Rite Mason in the Valley of Reading is automatically a member of one of the Scottish Rite Clubs (generally referred to as County Clubs ). The Club of which you are a member is determined by the location of your lodge or your residence. These Clubs offer you local opportunity to enjoy Scottish Rite fellowship, social activities, membership development, and general support of the Valley of Reading. Schuylkill County Club: Members who reside in Schuylkill County Ontelaunee Club: Members who reside in Northern Berks County and are primarily members of Vaux Lodge No. 406 and Huguenot Lodge No. 377 Pagoda Club: Members who reside in the greater Reading and Southern Berks County areas. Lancaster County Club: Members who reside in Lancaster County Chester County Club: Members who reside in Chester County Good Fellowship Club: Members who reside in the Pottstown, Boyertown, and Western Montgomery County areas. George Washington Club: Members who reside in Eastern Montgomery County and the greater Abington areas. More Social Opportunities Hiram s Scottish Riders Motorcycle Club: Membership is open to non-masons who enjoy motorcycles. The Club supports the 32 Masonic Learning Center for Children, a tutoring program for children with dyslexia. Model Railroading Club: Membership in the Train Club is open to non-masons. Focuses on those who enjoy model railroading. A Willing Helper Does Not Wait to Be Asked. --Danish Proverb Golden Eagles Club: Membership is open to non-masons, for both men and women. A senior Citizens Club meets once a month for lunch, entertainment and socialization. 4
Hospitaler Awards Scholarship Congratulations to Brian t. Henderson And Melanie A. Wedlock Illustrious Marvin G. Speicher, 33, announced that the Hospitaler s fund has awarded two 2016 Valley of Reading Scholarships to Brian T. Henderson and Melanie A. Wedlock. Brian is studying to be a professional rancher and farmer. He is a Past Master Councilor of Reading DeMolay earning the Meritorious Service Award and receiving the Honorary Degree of Chevalier in 2016. As a Boy Scout he earned the Eagle Scout Award also in 2016. Brian is the proud son of Donna M. Henderson and lives in Honey Brook, Pennsylvania. Melanie is studying Nursing at Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences and is the granddaughter of Peter R. Wedlock, 32. Melanie resides in Sinking Spring. The purpose of the Valley of Reading Scottish Rite Scholarship Program is to be of assistance and encouragement to young men and women with a high school education desiring to acquire training in trades, business, technical, vocational or career programs and, who have been accepted in accredited schools offering such programs. The training programs (Certificate or Associate Degree) typically are two years in length; however, the time required for completion may vary. Scholarships are for one year, awarded annually. Students entering the second year of a training program are also eligible and encouraged to apply. Illustrious Brother Speicher also thanks the members of the Valley of Reading who included a donation to the Hospitaler s Fund along with their dues payment. Four Abbott Scholarships Awarded Four Leon M. Abbott Scottish Rite Scholarships of nearly $2,000.00 each have been awarded by the Supreme Council of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, N.M.J., to students who applied through the Valley of Reading: Elizabeth L. Geisinger of Kutztown; Serena A. Schade of Reading; Benjamin J. Mercandante of Reading; and Joel N. Mercandante of Reading. The Abbott Scholarships are awarded to qualified students in recognition of scholastic and all-round achievement. The goal is to help young people fulfill their career goals by assisting them financially as they further their education beyond high school. Abbott Scholarships are given to children of Scottish Rite Masons and to young people who have been active in Masonic-related organizations such as DeMolay, Rainbow and Job s Daughters. The Grants are made throughout the fifteen-state Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. Total scholarships in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction will be $450,000 for the 2016-2017 academic period. More than 350 college level students across the Jurisdiction were helped by Abbott grants. In addition to the Abbott Scholarship, the Scottish Rite Masons of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction also support the award-winning National Heritage Museum in historic Lexington, Massachusetts; yearly fellowships for Schizophrenia Research; and the Children s Dyslexia Centers, Inc. 5
MEMBERSHIP SOCIAL Saturday, July 23, 2016 1:00 PM 2:30 PM Scottish Rite Cathedral 430 S. Seventh Ave, West Reading, PA 19611 The Lodges of the 7 th Masonic District, the Scottish Rite Valley of Reading, and the Rajah Shrine have joined together to host a membership social in preparation for the Statewide Man to Mason One Day Class on October 29, 2016. This is your opportunity to invite relatives, friends, and neighbors and their ladies to attend a social event to introduce them to the Masonic Fraternity. It is also an opportunity to invite your fellow Blue Lodge members who are not members of Scottish Rite or Shrine to learn about those appendant bodies. Refreshments will be served. To invite a friend or Brother, please fill out your name, telephone number and Lodge number on the card and give it to the person you are inviting, who will then fill in his information. After the presentations, anyone interested in membership or more information can turn in the card to the appropriate organization. If you need more invitation cards, please contact your Lodge Secretary. Name: Address: Phone: I am interested in: I was invited by: o Lodge Name: o Scottish Rite Lodge No.: o Shrine Phone: Name: Address: Phone: I am interested in: I was invited by: o Lodge Name: o Scottish Rite Lodge No.: o Shrine Phone: 6
Sunday, October 9 WORSHIP with the Commander-in-Chief St. Paul s United Church of Christ 5 West Arch Street Fleetwood, PA 19522 Please arrive by 8:30 for group seating for the 8:55 service. One Day Masonic Journey Saturday, October 29, 2016 Scottish Rite Cathedral, 430 S. 7 th Ave., West Reading, PA 19611 Approved candidates will be able to join a Blue Lodge, the Scottish Rite and the Shrine. All in one day!!!! Also, Blue Lodge members may expand their Masonic experience to include the Scottish Rite and the Shrine. 6:00 a.m. Registration of Candidates 7:45 a.m. - Symbolic Lodge Degrees 1 Entered Apprentice Lodge 2 Fellowcraft Lodge 3 Master Masons Lodge 12:00 p.m. Buffet Luncheon Zimmerman Dining Room 12:50 p.m. York Rite Presentation 1:10 p.m. Scottish Rite Degrees 4 Master Traveler - Video Presentation 19 Grand Pontiff Video Presentation 26 Friend and Brother Eternal Video Presentation 32 Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret Video Presentation 4:15 p.m. Rajah Shrine Ceremonial 7
Chester County Club Saturday August 13, 2016 11:00 am 4:00 pm Skerrett Lodge #343 173 Cochran Road Cochranville, PA 19330 Contact: Ted Wallace 610-932-0613 ted.wallace64@gmail.com Pagoda Club Movie & Chili Night! Saturday, September 17 th Scottish Rite Cathedral 5:00 pm Social Hour 6:00 pm Food & Movie Only $10.00 per person Bring your ladies, friends and family for a fun evening! Lancaster County Club Fall Dinner Meeting Tuesday, October 11 Seafood Night at The Golden Eagles Club The Golden Eagles Club of the Valley of Reading, Scottish Rite meets the 3 rd Wednesday of every month at noon in the Banquet Room of the Scottish Rite Cathedral at 430 S. 7 th Ave, West Reading, PA. The gathering usually concludes around 2 p.m. Membership is open to anyone; Masons, widows or members of the community who would like an enjoyable place to meet friends, have some food and have some fun. If you do already come to the gatherings BRING A FRIEND. Reservations are required, so we can prepare accordingly. Make your reservations by calling Don or Barbara Loos at 610-678-1063 by the Wednesday one week before the meeting. July 20 Program Pianist, Karl Hausman Meal Summer Picnic by May s Catering - $8.00 August 17 Program Runette Grabrielle portraying Harriet Tubman Meal Shepherd s Pie and all the Fixins by Dori Martin Catering - $8.00 On April 16, 2016, the Ladies Auxiliary sponsored another successful fashion show. A very big thank you to the beautiful models, the great servers, the many men and women who helped us set up Friday night, the ladies of the auxiliary who brought in wonderful door prizes, the fashion show committee who worked hard, and especially to all the ladies who attended the fashion show. Without all of this help a successful show would not happen. As a result $5000 will once again be given to the Children s Dyslexia Center of Reading. Again, many, many thanks. Helen Hummel, Fashion Show Chairwoman 8
Make A Reservation and Receive a FASTPASS To the Serving Line Number of Adults: Number of Children: Ages:,,, Member Name: Telephone Number: email address: Email your reservation to: valley.of.reading@comcast.net or call the office at: 610-373-0104 9
THE ONTELAUNEE CLUB. FAMOUS PANCAKE & SAUSAGE STAG NIGHT WHERE: VIRGINVILLE HOTEL (In the Village of Virginville) WHEN: MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2016 WHO : ALL SCOTTISH RITE & BLUE LODGE MASONS are INVITED Any Blue Lodge Member who has signed a petition to join the SCOTTISH RITE, VALLEY of READING, will be a GUEST OF THE VALLEY TIME : SOCIAL HOUR 6:00 to 6:45 - DINNER at 6:45 P.M. OPEN BAR for Miller Lite & Lager Daft & Soda, CASH BAR for COCKTAILS & BOTTLE BEER COST: Only $ 15.00 per person, Guests with a signed S.R. petition do not pay RESERVATIONS: Please detach and fill in the form below and return to IRVIN D. HERRING, Treasurer 2028 OLD 22, LENHARTSVILLE, PA. 19534 with a check in the amount due, Payable to the ONTELAUNEE CLUB, VALLEY of READING NO LATER THEN SEPTEMBER 19, 2016!!! ------------------cut here---------------------------------------------cut here---------------------------------------------------------cut here------------------ RESERVATION FORM NAME Member Scottish Blue Lodge Guest With AMT. DUE Rite Only Signed Petition TOTAL AMOUNT DUE All S.R. & Blue Lodge Members, $ 15.00 A Blue Lodge member with a signed S.R. petition, no charge. 10
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