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November-December 2005 ORIENT OF LOUISIANA Volume 7 Issue 6

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Louisiana

Scottish Rite Trestleboard

Scottish Rite PERSISTENCE-PRESS ON

HONORS In LOUISISANA

During the 2005 Biennal Supreme Council Session of theAncient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, South-ern Jurisdiction held the first week in October in Washing-ton, D.C. The following members of the Louisiana Orientreceived the Inspector General Honorary 33° or the KnightCommander Court of Honour. Nineteen IGH and 41 KCCHhonors were bestowed on most deserving members.

INSPECTORS GENERAL HONORARY-33°Robert Ellis Bazzell Valley of ShreveportJohn Leslie Belanger Valley of Baton RougeMalford Twain Byrd Valley of New OrleansMorrell “Jack” Claunch Valley of Baton RougeJohn Troupe Dark Valley of ShreveportChester Alton Drummond Valley of MonroeFrank Nadau duTreil, Jr. Valley of New OrleansAllen Robert Fruge Valley of Lake CharlesWilliam Carl Gray Valley of New OrleansBeverly Joseph Guillot Valley of Baton RougeCharles Franklin Jackson Valley of ShreveportJohn Juneau Valley of Baton RougePaul Otto Langenbeck Valley of New OrleansRay Valentine Moses Valley of Lake CharlesJames Dean Parker Valley of New OrleansJames Howard Pieper Valley of ShreveportMelvin Garland Russell Valley of MonroeJerry Lynn Sicard Valley of Baton RougeHarold Hill Young Valley of Lake Charles

Origins Of The Honors

Warren Anthony Hintz, Jr. Valley of New OrleansTravis Marcelle Holley Valley of MonroeJesse James Hollingshead Valley of Lake CharlesCarle Lorenz Jackson Valley of Baton RougeRichard Leo James Valley of MonroeDanny Leeman Johnson Valley of Baton RougeRobert Joseph Knight, Jr. Valley of Baton RougeJunior Joseph Lebeouf Valley of New OrleansRichard D Mahoney Valley of MonroeJerry James Manuel Valley of Lake CharlesFredrick Joel McAnn Valley of ShreveportBowdre McDowell Valley of New OrleansSamuel L Montgomery, Jr. Valley of New OrleansRichard Dale Morgan Valley of Lake CharlesElbert Leevon Mott Valley of ShreveportJay W Owensby Valley of New OrleansElmo Joseph Pitre, Jr. Valley of New OrleansTarro Joseph Pitre, Jr. Valley of New OrleansWilliam Bennett Powell Valley of Lake CharlesEdward Albert Reine Valley of New OrleansRobert Vincent Roberts, Jr. Valley of ShreveportRobert Samuel Salts, Jr. Valley of ShreveportWilbert Stelly Valley of Lake CharlesLeroy George Stenzel, Jr. Valley of MonroePhilip Harold Thibodeaux Valley of Lake CharlesTimothy Wayne Tuck Valley of ShreveportJules Hillard Tucker Valley of New OrleansCharles Fredrick Williams Valley of New Orleans

James Pierson Allen, Jr. Valley of Baton RougeDonald Bert Bonnecarrere Valley of Baton RougeDonald Lee Brazzell Valley of MonroeJohn William Chambers Valley of ShreveportDavid Leland Culligan Valley of ShreveportThomas Patrick Dickson Valley of ShreveportHoward Fellows Entwistle, Jr. Valley of New OrleansRaymond Clinton Fink Valley of New OrleansNolen Ross Gamble Valley of Lake CharlesRellis Phil Godfrey Valley of ShreveportJames Edward Grady, Jr. Valley of Baton RougeGeorge Buckner Gray Valley of Shreveport

KNIGHTS COMMANDER, COURT OF HONOR

Upon the creation of the Ancient and Accept Scottish Rite,the final degree was named “Sovereign Grand Inspector Gen-eral.” This degree was separated from the other AASR degreesin that it was created to be both a degree and an office, notunlike the 25th degree of the so-called Rite of Perfection. Onewho received the 33rd degree also held the office of SovereignGrand Inspector General and was an Active Member of a Su-preme Council.

After the creation of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction in1813, it was not uncommon for Active Members of one U.S.Jurisdiction to visit the other, sometimes moving into the otherjurisdiction. In the early 1800’s both the Southern Jurisdictionand NMJ were limited to 9 Active Members, and it was pos-

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Louisiana Scottish Rite TrestleboardPublished bimonthly by the

Louisiana Scottish Rite FoundationP. O. Box 64 Shreveport, LA 71161

EditorSteve Pence, 32°-KCCH

105 Bay Hills DriveBenton, LA 71006

Tel: H: 318-965-9977E-mail: [email protected]

Louisiana Scottish Rite Trestleboard is publishedbimonthly by the Louisiana Scottish Rite Founda-tion. Any article or views expressed in this publica-tion are those only of the writer and do not reflectthe official position of the Louisiana Scottish Rite.The editorial policy of this publication grants freereign to the Editor, within the lines of Masonicprinciples and teachings. Articles and pictures sub-mitted become the property of this publication.

Permission is granted to use contents of thisTrestleboard for Masonic purposes, as long as creditis given to the source.

Editorial StaffEditor:

Steven A. Pence, 32° KCCHValley of Baton Rouge:

Robert J. Hutchinson , 33°Valley of New Orleans:

Marc H. Conrad, 32°Valley of Shreveport:

John L. Atkinson, 33°Valley of Lake Charles:

John Butterick, 32°Valley of Monroe:

Beryl C. Franklin, Ph.D., 33°

AllegianceThe bodies of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite

of Freemasonry, sitting in the Orient of Louisiana, ac-knowledge and yield allegiance to the Supreme Councilof the Thirty-third degree for the Southern Jurisdictionof the United States of America (Mother Supreme Coun-cil of the World) whose See is at Charleston in the Stateof South Carolina, and House of the Temple, Washing-ton, D.C., of which

Ill. Ronald A. Seale, 33°Sovereign Grand Commander

andIll. William J. Mollere, 33°,

Deputy in theOrient of Louisiana

Ill. Charles McCarty, 33°Personal Representative for Valley of New Orleans

Ill. Ballard Smith, 33°, PGMPersonal Representative for Valley of Shreveport

Ill. Richard B. Smith, 33°Personal Representative for Valley of Lake Charles

Ill. Calvin L. Elliott, 33°Personal Representative for Valley of Baton Rouge

Ill. Woody J. Bilyeu, 33°Personal Representative for Valley of Monroe

M.W. Harold G. Ballard, 32°Grand Master of Masons in Louisiana


Calendar of EventsOrient of Louisiana

Conference of the Orient Nov 11ShreveportHonors Day Nov 12Shreveport

York RiteRhodes Commandry InspectionLeesville Nov 7York Rite College MeetingAlexandria Nov 19

Lodge of Nine Muses, U.D., is sponsor-ing a Table Lodge on Wednesday, Novem-ber 9th, at the Camelot Club in BatonRouge. The social hour starts at 6:00 p.m.and the Table Lodge will be held at 7:00p.m.

Bro. Robert Davis, 33°, Grand Cross,Executive Secretary of the Guthrie ScottishRite Bodies in Oklahoma, will be the key-note speaker. He will talk on the contribu-tion Masons have made as citizens in theircountries and how our beloved Fraternityis likely to feature in the future. Bro. Davisis well known as both a researcher and forhis work in Masonic renewal. For the lat-ter, he was awarded the Paul Horn Memo-rial Medal by the Grand Lodge of the Stateof Washington, becoming the first personthat is not a Past Grand Master to receivethis highest award of the state. In 1999, hisMasonic leadership was recognized by theGrand Master’s Award of the Grand Lodgeof Kansas (the highest honor given by thatGrand Lodge). Davis also holds the Crossof Honor and the Legion of Honor inDeMolay.

Bro. Davis presently serves as the GrandCommander of the Grand Commandery ofKnights Templar of Oklahoma. He is pastPresident and Fellow of the InternationalPhilalethes Society, and serves as the editorof the High Council publications, and Ma-sonic Rosicrucians. He was recently electeda member of the Nine Muses Council No.13 in Washington, D.C.Bro. Davis is a Ma-sonic scholar and author of a recently re-leased book, Understanding Manhood inAmerica, and co-author of 100 Years ofScottish Rite Masonry in the Valley ofGuthrie. He is an engaging speaker andtravels the U.S. to speak at and facilitateMasonic discussions.

Come join members of the Lodge ofNine Muses, U.D., for an enlighteningMasonic evening of fellowship and the op-portunity to hear one of the foremost Ma-sonic scholars in the nation.

The ticket for the Table Lodge is $60per person and will include a souvenir “fir-ing” glass. Dress is dark suit for gentlemenand evening dress for ladies. Parking is freein the basement of the building at 451Florida Boulevard. The elevators will bringyou to the 21st floor.

For more information contact any mem-ber of the Lodge of Nine Muses, U.D.

Annual Table Lodge-FeaturingRobert G. Davis-33° Grand Cross

SEASONSTime is near for me to send this pub-

lication to the printers. I thank MarcConrad for his great submission for theNew Orleans Valley as I wasn’t certainthat was going to be a possibility. LakeCharles is experiencing problems withelectricity and internet capabilities. Al-though the news about the building thereis better than initially reported, muchdamage still exists and many of thosemembers are displaced. Beyond LakeCharles’ Valley page, I am keeping anyavailable space open for them. TheTrestleboard may be the best, if only,source of post Katrina/Rita information.I decided to keep my rambling limited inlength.

We have many seasons in Louisiana.Oak pollen, baseball, mosquito, football,hunting seasons to name a few. One thatis unique to the Coastal states is Hurri-cane Season. Thankfully, it is over butwill be remembered by many generations.The Thanksgiving, Chanukah andChristmas Seasons will come and go be-fore the next issue is published.

I won’t attempt to say I know howthe members that were affected by thestorms are feeling. I can empathize withthem as I have first hand experience withhurricanes, flooding, ice storms, severehail damage and a tornado through myhouse during my life.

Through all the recent tragedy takethe time to remember that there is muchto be truly thankful. This country, thatgives us the freedom to meet as men andMasons, this Fraternity and supportedcharities, our friends and family and mostimportantly, a loving God that providesfor every opportunity.

May you have a blessed Thanksgiv-ing Holiday. What ever your faith maybe, may the reason of this season bringyou peace and joy. Happy Thanksgiving

Merry ChristmasSteve

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Louisiana Scottish Rite Foundation News

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Timbeaux Ironman ChallengeDonations

Timothy A. HutchinsonRobert F. Hayden

Lancorp Painting Corp.Jeffery J. King

ENT Medical CenterTrosclair Inc.

Capital City Tree Care, LLC.Istrouma Mattress Company

Yvonne Kelleher InteriorsDr. Harry M. Brown

Deep South Crane and RiggingJohn E. Gilcrease

Thomas H. Harrell, Jr.Anthony H. Kerr

Robert J. HutchinsonJPI Data Resource

Professional Massage Therapy, Inc.Charles D. Smith, Jr.

Brian S. Allred

Foundation DonationsBeryl C. FranklinCharles O. Glover

David C. Jacob

Louisiana Scottish Rite Foundation isawaiting the completion of the audit for thefiscal year July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2005and will be reported in this column whenreceived.

The Foundation is most happy to an-nounce that an affiliation has been estab-lished with the University of Louisiana atLafayette Department of CommunicativeDisorders. Ms. Holly Damico, M.S CC/SLP,is the Director of the Speech, Language andHearing Center and the foundation is mostfortunate to be affiliated with this univer-sity and its outstanding program. This Cen-ter will provide service to the children andfamilies residing in Lake Charles ScottishRite are of responsibility in the SupremeCouncil’s Rite Care Program. The ScottishRite Administrator from the Valley of LakeCharles has not been appointed as of thisdate.

Also due the severe damage by Hurri-cane Katrina in New Orleans, The D.Walter Jessen Speech, Language and Hear-ing Center, opened in 1987 in conjunctionwith LSU-HSC, New Orleans, and with theapproval of the Leadership Team of the NewOrleans Valley, is in the process of beingtransferred to Southeastern Louisiana atHammond, Louisiana.

Paula S. Currie, Ph.D., CCC-S, Asso-ciate Professor, is the Head of the Depart-ment of Communication Sciences & Dis-orders. The foundation is most fortunate tobe affiliated Southeastern and their out-standing program. New Orleans ScottishRite Bodies will continue the administra-tion of the center and children who werepreviously attending the program atLSUHSC will be given the opportunity totransfer to Southeastern.

The Foundation is looking forward along relationship with these two universi-ties and will continue to provide outstand-ing care to the children and families wholook to us for help.

John L. Atkinson,33°President

Foundation Update Foundation ScholarshipsThe Louisiana Scottish Rite Founda-

tion is pleased to announce the follow-ing Speech & Language Scholarships forthe Fall Session 2005. These awards aregiven to graduate students working to-ward a Masters Degree in speech pathol-ogy.

ShreveportKendal Michelle Cole

Erin Leah Dupree

MonroeErin Nicole Morris

Kasey Dawn LindowGracie Sarah Lard

Lake CharlesAmy Nicole Ballard

Hurricane Relief DonationsScottish Rite-Orient of Colorado

Ronald L. FoulkAndrew Weitzenkorn

Wayne D. JordanThe Gravett Family Trust

Scottish Rite-Lynchburg, Va. ValleyNorthern New Jersey Scottish Rite

Gary D. WillisJohn and Dee Atkinson

You must give some time to your fellowmen. Even if it’s a little thing, do somethingfor others - something for which you get nopay but the privilege of doing it. -

Albert Schwietzer

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Ricks Martin Bowles, 32° KCCH

Reflections On The Degreeof

Provost and Judge

“It is well, when judging a friend, toremember that he is judging you withthe same godlike and superior impartial-ity.” Arnold Bennett

I recall a short story on Masonicfidelity by Worshipful Brother EdwardS. Ellis. It is found in a book titledHIGH TWELVE and is about JudgeKendrick Brandroth, a former Colonelof an Arkansas Regiment in the WarBetween the States and Master of hisLodge. The old judge, revolver inhand, encounters a burglar who giveshis name as Ted Girton. Mr. Girton, arather shaggy and unkempt fellow withlong whiskers, has obviously been rav-aged by the excesses of alcohol and isliving as a bum. He does not resist hiscapture, however, and the Judge inviteshim to sit down in his study.

After talking with the would-be rob-ber at some length he determines thathe is an educated man with someknowledge of the law. There is also anagging familiarity about the man.Judge Brandroth decides to take achance on the man, offers him themeans to sobriety, and puts him towork on some legal matters. Mr.Girton’s work is impeccable and he be-comes a valued friend and trustedmember of the Judge’s household.

Some time later Mr. Girton asks for,and is granted, time off for personalmatters.

At the next regular meeting of hislodge, Worshipful Master Bandrothwas in the East. A Mr. Winfield H.Runyon was announced by the Tyler.After examination Brother Runyonwas allowed to enter and be seatedamong the Brethren. Of course, it wasTed Girton, well dressed and shaven,whom Judge Brandroth now recognizesas his old Captain from his ArkansasRegiment, a man who had once actedas a guardian angel saving his thenColonel, and now Judge, from beingtaken prisoner. Brother Runyon, whenasked, addresses the Lodge and com-pares the actions of the Judge to thoseof the Christian Master and to theGood Samaritan and says, “When heand I came together, it was ‘Low 12’with me; to-night, thank God, at last itis ‘High 12.’ ”

I am ill equipped to comment ex-tensively on the degree of Provost AndJudge or on the subject of being ajudge. I am human and, like all hu-mans, I often judge the actions andmotives of others. Sometimes my ac-tions as a judge are responsible andnecessary. As a manager I often hadto mediate between employees, andwhen no amicable settlement could beachieved, I had to make the call. I havehad to judge as a father, coach, Lodgeofficer, committee chair or member,and in every other part of my life.When it does fall my lot to judge, toquote Walt Whitman, “Justice is al-ways in jeopardy.”

One of our late brothers, who waswell equipped to comment extensivelyon this subject, is the Illustrious Al-bert Pike. A portion of his commentsfor Freemasons follows from MOR-ALS & DOGMA.

“Good men are too proud oftheir goodness. They are re-spectable; dishonour comes notnear them; their countenance

has weight and influence; theirrobes are unstained; the poison-ous breath of calumny as neverbeen breathed upon their fairname. How easy it is for themto look down with scorn uponthe poor degraded offender; topass him by with a lofty step; todraw up the folds of their gar-ment around them, that theymay not be soiled by his touch!Yet the Great Master of Virtuedid not so; but descended to fa-miliar intercourse withpublicans and sinners, with theSamaritan woman, with the out-casts and the Pariahs of the He-brew world.”

When we judge others we shoulddo well to remember that but for thedictates of circumstance and decisionwe might well be standing in the shoesof that one on whom we are passingjudgment. Brother Pike reminds usthat, “The power of gentleness is toolittle seen in the world; the subduinginfluences of pity, the might of love,the control of mildness over passion,the commanding majesty of that per-fect character which mingles grave dis-pleasure with grief and pity for theoffender.”

It occurs to me that there may beamong us brothers of whom we are un-aware. We should be careful abouthow we judge them. We should alsobe careful as we judge all humans.Who knows? They might be hiddenangels.Ricks M. Bowles retired from Morton Salt, after 31years as District Sales Manager. A fourth genera-tion Mason, he was raised in 1975 at John B.Garrett Lodge #711, Nashville, Tenn. He holdsmembership in St. Paul Lodge #3 AF&AM St. Paul,Mn, Meridian Lodge #284 AF&AM, Richmond, Va.and The Lodge of the Nine Muses, UD in BatonRouge. A member of the Scottish Rite since 1975,he received KCCH in 2003. He works in the 18th

Degree at the Baton Rouge Valley.

Valley of New Orleans NewsThe Oldest Scottish Rite Valley in the World - Chartered April 7, 1811

Albert Pike was Grand Commander of Grand Consistory of LouisianaFrom April 1857-January 1859

Meets on first Wednesdays of every month

New Orleans Scottish Rite Temple619-621 Carondelet Street

New Orleans, LA 70130-3503Secretary: Lloyd A. Hebert, 33°

Tel: 504-522-3789 Fax: 504-527-5892Email: [email protected]

WebSite: www.nolascottishrite.com

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Calendar of Events-2005

Wednesday, November 5, 2005Stated CommunicationGuest SpeakerWednesday, December 7, 2005Jersualem Temple Shrine CenterOrchestra, Louis SternNote: Meetings subject to curfew in Or-leans ParishBranson Trip November 3-7Knights of St. AndrewMeeting the 3rd Monday of each Month

continued:Valley News


Branson TripNovember 3rd thru 7th

In MemoriamShem A. Gordon, 32°Kyle P. Kohmann, 32°Russell B. Peterson, 32°Claude L. Shook, 32°

That which causes us trials shall yield ustriumph: and that which make our hearts acheshall fill us with gladness. The only true hap-piness is to learn, to advance, and to improve:which could not happen unless we had com-menced with error, ignorance, and imperfec-tion. We must pass through the darkness, toreach the light. Albert Pike

Anyone can hold the helm when the sea iscalm- Publilius Syrus

A gem cannot be polished without fric-tion, nor man perfected without trials.

A Chinese Proverb

These are the times that try men’s souls. Thomas Payne

Valley News

Hurricane Katrina was just a gentlebreeze when stacked against the Principlesof Freemasonry and the human spirit! TheBrethren of the Valley of New Orleans andour historic Scottish Rite Temple withstoodthe ravages of the storm. There is littledamage to the Valley that cannot be re-paired. Sunlight peeks through a fewshingles in the ceiling of our auditorium andthere is minor damage elsewhere about thebuilding. Yet, Masonic light, industry, andan eternal optimism in the benevolence ofthe Great Architect are enough to seal thesesmall material breaches. Our Valley isready, able, and willing to travel again to-wards the East in search of more Light.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina,the above quotes sum up the courage, reso-lution, leadership, fellowship, and faith thatwe must now embrace as Scottish Ritebrothers following this tragedy. All of ushave lost something as a result of this Hur-ricane, and some of us have lost everything.However, we now have an opportunity toadvance our fraternal values and strengthenthe ties of fellowship.

The Light of our Creator continues toshine upon us and guide the way. A be-nevolent and grateful human spirit still pre-vails. We now have the opportunity to prac-tice the Great Lesson of Charity. We canand will assist those in need. There is nodarkness upon the hearts of those who lookto the grace and kindness of our Creator.He has spared us from the worst and wecontinue to give him thanks. He has alsoprovided each of us with the gifts of hiswisdom, spirit, strength, and talent withwhich to rebuild what has been materiallylost.

With great Destruction comes the op-portunity and duty of Construction. Free-masons are builders. We have been equippedwith the eternal lessons of the Rite. Whobetter than we, the builders of men, thebuilders of fraternal ties, the noble, the faith-ful, and the keepers of the Royal Secret tohelp rebuild New Orleans? We have thenecessary spiritual tools.

The Valley of New Orleans has survivedplagues, malaria, the Spanish Flu, the GreatDepression, floods, the Civil War, WorldWars, and, indeed, Hurricanes. We willcontinue to practice the values that makefreemasonry and Masonic brothers strongand relevant in our world. The fraternalbonds that we have built together with thesquare, level, plumb, and compasses havemet the test. Our fraternal spirit shinesthrough like a strong beacon, undamagedfrom the storm, and we will lead the way.

The Scottish Rite degrees continue tourge us to practice the lasting and testedideals of morality, philosophy, religion, andphilanthropy. For example, in the 5th de-gree, we are instructed always to preparefor the worst, even death, and to take noth-ing for granted. Hurricane Katrina has re-minded us to keep close to our hearts allthat is valuable in life: G-d, family, and fra-ternity. We have received the greatest oflesson from the storm: take nothing forgranted—life is precious. I’m sure in thefuture that none of us will.

During Hurricane Katrina, I had theopportunity to witness countless acts ofcharity and kindness that have strengthenedmy faith in the human spirit. I was trulysaddened when I heard about the Masoniclodges in the greater New Orleans who hadsustained storm damage, or, were simply

Valley of Shreveport News Chartered October 26, 1913

Meets on second Tuesdays of every month

Shreveport Scottish Rite Temple725 Cotton Street

Shreveport, LA 71101-9713

Secretary: John L. Atkinson, 33°Tel: 318-221-9713 Fax: 318-226-0843

Email: [email protected]

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IN MEMORIAM

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Tuesday, November 8, 2005Dinner with Ladies: 6:00 P.M.Open Meeting & Program 6:30 P.M.Honoring 50 Year Members

Tuesday, December 13, 2005KCCH Club Meeting 5:30 P.M.Dinner 6:00 P.M.Regular Meeting 6:30 P.M.Note: Advisory Conference meets at 5:00P.M. before each meeting.


From the Secretary’s DeskA few of our members have not paid

their 2005 Dues. Receipt of dues is ourmajor source of income to be able to meetour annual budget and plan for capitalexpenditures. If you have not previouslyremitted your 2005 Dues, please send acheck in the amount of $72.00 to P. O.Box 64, Shreveport-La. 71161. If you haveany questions concerning your currentstatus, please contact Betty or me at (318)221-9713.

Fall ReunionThe Shreveport Valley’s Fall reunion

was held on Saturday, September 24th.A one day reunion was held due to anunwelcomed visitor’s, Hurricane Rita,arrival. Thankfully, the forcast of severeflooding and damaging winds did notcome to fruition. Ten Master Masonswere able to attend and were eager to gainadditional Masonic knowledge. The newMasters of the Royal Secret are MichaelW. Beeler, Tylon B. Blanton, Anthony W.Fabio, J. Dan Festervan, Timothy E.Gildon, G. Kim Green, Edwin R. Jacobs,Timothy R. Robinson, Cloys S. Sartor Jr.,Kenneth L. Volentine. Congratulations tothese newest members.

Congratulations to HonoreesAlthough the Shreveport Valley’s new-

est KCCH and IGH are listed on the frontpage, the Valley again wants to congratu-late the Brethren who have been recog-nized by the Supreme Council for the ser-vice they have provided to the ScottishRite and the community.

Elected as an Inspector General Hon-orary of the Supreme Council and areentitled to receive the Thirty Third De-gree are Robert Ellis Bazzell, John TroupeDark, Charles Franklin Jackson andJames Howard Pieper.

Elected as Knights Commander of theCourt of Honour and are entitled to re-ceive the 32° KCCH are John WilliamChambers, David Leland Culligan, ThomasPatrick Dickson, Rellis Phil Godfrey, GeorgeBuckner Gray, Fredrick Joel McAnn, ElbertLeevon Mott, Robert Vincent Roberts Jr.,Robert Samuel Salts Jr., Timothy WayneTuck.

John L. Atkinson,33°General Secretary

John Nelson Baker, 32°Harris Malcolm Kaffie, 32°Hugh Patrick Sullivan, 32°

Knights of St. AndrewA Charter was granted on September

24, 2005 establishing the ShreveportChapter of the Knights of St. Andrew,from the Guthrie Chapter.

The Officers of the KStA BatonRouge Chapter have graciously agreedto come to Shreveport and install ourmembers. We are looking forward tomeeting them and gaining their insight.

There are 10 Charter Members forour Chapter. John Ayer-Knight Com-mander, Allen Kelly-Knight Warden,Carrey Allison-Knight Captain, MikeBeeler-Bag Piper, Thomas Dickson-Sec-retary, Virgil Trenado, Larry LaBorde,Shane Cook, Jim Allen, Keith Tindell.

We have voted to accept the Regis-tered Scottish Rite Tartan of the GrandLodge of Utah as our Chapter Tartan. Itrepresents the Masonic Blue Lodge, theScottish Rite and other affiliated Ma-sonic Bodies’ colors. Our uniforms willconsist of the Kilt, Glen Garry Hat,Sporan, KStA Broach as well as otheraccessories.

John Ayer,32°Knight Commander -Elect

Good ritualistic work is a beauty to behold.But it can only be good if it is rehearsed manytimes. A play, a movie, or television, has beenrehearsed many, many times. Hence, many ofour brethren stay home to watch television. -Author Unknown

50-Year HonorsThe Valley will honor members who

have completed fifty years of service tothe Rite. Ill. Ballard L. Smith-33° andPersonal Representative to the Deputy ofthe Supreme Council will present the cer-tificate and lapel pin to the honorees. Mem-bers, family and fiends are encouraged toattend on November 13th. Ms. Patti Kriegand the Remember When Quartet will pro-vide a musical program honoring our 50Year Members.

Valley of Lake Charles News Chartered October 16, 1923

Meets on third Wednesday of every month

Lake Charles Masonic Temple717 Hodges Street

Lake Charles, LA 70601Secretary: Charles G. Callahan, 33°


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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Wednesday, November 16, 2005Dinner with guests: 6:30 P.M.Regular meeting: 7:30 P.M.Program: Scholarships-John ButterickWednesday, December 21, 2005Dinner with guests: 6:30 P.M.Regular Meeting 7:30 P.M.Program: Election of 2006 Officers

Clearing the Secretary’s DeskFamily Day, held on October 22nd,

was a great sucess with over 200 in at-tendance. Although many of our mem-bers were still drying out and assessingdamage, the event was a time of closefellowship, friendship and wonderfulfood. It was truly a day of fraternal unionof families.Ms. Hurricane Rita was no lady to ourarea. The Cameron area was devasted andCameron Lodge’s (#439) building is de-stroyed. In fact the structure is gone. Re-porting severe damage is Sulphur Lodge#424, Lake Charles #165 Peace and Har-mony Lodge #478 and Justice Lodge#449. Although many homes were dam-aged or destroyed, there were no reportsof injury or death to our members andfamilies. Heartfelt thanks for the manycalls and prayers received on our behalf. Charles G. Callahan, 33°

Secretary


IN MEMORIAM Edgar E Barger, 32° Wilmer S. Guillory, 32° Gerald W. Hyatt, 32° Richard R. Kasso, 32° John W. Maley, 32° James D. Pray, 32°

Unless we are better husbands, fathers, sons,or brother, we aren’t following the teachings orliving the obligations of Freemasonry. From thehome, life broadens into relationships of thecommunity in which we live. We should expectto find Masons in the forefront of every worth-while community activity. - Author Unknown

HonorsThe Lake Charles Valley congratu-

lates our new Honor Members, electedduring the Supreme Council session inWashington, D.C.

Elected to Inspector General Honor-ary of the Supreme Council and will re-ceive the Thirty Third Degee are AllenRobert Fruge, Ray Valentine Moses andHarold Hill Young.

Elected as Knights Commander of theCourt of Honor and will receive the 32°KCCH are Nolen Ross Gamble, Jesse JamesHollingshead, Jerry James Manuel, Rich-ard Dale Morgan, William Bennett Powell,Wilbert Stelly and Philip HaroldThibodeaux.

These fine Scottish Rite members willbe invested in Shreveport on November 12thduring the Honors Day event.

Friendship make prosperity more shiningand lessens adversity by dividing and shar-ing it. Cicero

Remember that there is nothing stable inhuman affairs; therefore avoid undue elation inprosperity, or undue depression in adversity.

Socrates

Fall ReunionThe Lake Charles Valley held the Fall

Reunion in September and was well at-tended, as are all our functions. Elevennew Masters of the Royal Secret wereenthusiastic to join the membership. Welook forward to having these brethrencointinuing our work in the Lake CharlesValley

2005 Fall Reunion Class Picture

Marksville MeetingRecently the Lake Charles Valley

moved the Charter to Marksville for anopen meeting. Our guest speaker was theBase Commander from Camp Beauregardlocated in Pineville. Ill. William Mollerewas in attendance and spoke briefly toour gathering. A great meal was servedprior to the program and we graciouslythank our host, Marksville Lodge #269for having us. Venerable Master Harold“Happy” Elliott remarked that due to thelarge number in attendance, plans to re-turn to Marksville would be in order.

John Butterick, 32°continued on page 10

Valley of Baton Rouge NewsChartered October 20, 1955

Meets on second Monday of every month

Baton Rouge Scottish Rite Temple14598 Florida BoulevardBaton Rouge, LA 70819

Secretary: Lloyd G. Pence, 33°Tel: 225-275-0668 Fax: 225-273-0750

Email: [email protected]

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Monday November 14, 2005Dinner with the Ladies 6:30 P.M.Thanksgiving Dinner-Reservations arerequestedRegular Stated Meeting 7:30 P.M.Monday December 12, 2005Dinner: 6:30 P.M.Meeting 7:30 P.M.Nomination and Election of OfficersPlease note that reservations are necessaryfor meals and a nominal charge of $5.00 tocover expenses.Advisory Committee meets at 5:30 P.M. onthe Monday before the regular meeting.Knights of St. AndrewMeets the 4th Monday of every month.Refreshment: 6:30 P.M.Meeting 7:00 P.M.


Yours in good fellowship,B. J. Guillot, 33°

Venerable Master

Knightly News

Sir Keith DuncanKnight Commander

In Memoriam

Venerable Master’s MessageOur State has been devastated by two

hurricanes since our last Trestleboard.Many of our brethren have lost theirhomes, businesses and members of theirfamily. If ever we needed to stretch forththe hand of charity, it is now.

Because of these two catastrophic hur-ricanes, the Baton Rouge Valley had tocancel the Fall Reunion. Plans are in theworks for the Spring. Secure petitions andspread the word of Masonry.

Both the New Orleans and LakeCharles Valleys have been hit hard by thestorms. The Baton Rouge Valley receivedsome damage to the roof on one buildingand lost some of our trees. These dam-ages were minimal compared to NewOrleans and Lake Charles. At our Sep-tember meeting we extended the use ofour facilities to the New Orleans Valleyand will continue to assist them in anymanner possible. This offer will be ex-tended to the Lake Charles Valley as well.

Keep all who have suffered in yourprayers.

Orville W Chandler, 32° Charles E Carter, 32° William E Kirkland, Jr., 32° Imon W Knippers, 32° Hubert L Rice, 32° Everett O Sanders, Sr., 32°

AuxilaryThe Baton Rouge Ladies Auxiliary

donated hand made stuffed toys to begiven to children involved in traffic ac-cidents in East Baton Rouge Parish. TheAuxiliary provides much needed supportto various Valley activities, as well asworking with various agencies in thecommunity.

The Ladies Auxilary: Gladys Siebert, ShirleyStroud, Billie Calvert, Anna Vera Black, SusanBlack, Myrnl Juneau, Marian Ballard, Katie Mor-gan, Carla Whitehead, Monica Guillot and MaryleeAllen

Deputy Susan Wilson received the toys on behalf ofthe EBR Sheriff office. Susan is the granddaughterof Joe and Shirley Stroud.

Ever since the formation of the BatonRouge chapter of the Knights of Saint An-drew, the members have taken on the taskof presenting the 29th degree during Scot-tish Rite Reunions. This has been a veryentertaining degree as the members weartheir normal ceremonial attire instead of theregular costumes provided. It really gives astrong feel for the degree and can be a realeye-opener to the audience and candidatesalike. I would recommend all Valleys takeon the task of running this degree and giveit everything you have. For all regular mem-bers, if you haven’t seen it yet, make it apoint to visit your next reunion during thattime and enjoy a great show.

Unless we are better husbands, fathers, sons,or brother, we aren’t following the teachings orliving the obligations of Freemasonry. From thehome, life broadens into relationships of thecommunity in which we live. We should expectto find Masons in the forefront of every worth-while community activity. Author Unknown

Valley of Monroe NewsChartered November 13, 1971

Meets on first Thursday of every month

Monroe Scottish Rite Temple205 University Avenue

Monroe, LA 71203-3701Secretary: Robert Joyner, 33°


9

IN MEMORIAM

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Thursday, November 3, 2005Dinner with Ladies: 6:00 P.M.Meeting & Program 7:00 P.M.Thursday, December 1, 2005Annual Christmas Party 6:00 P.M.Election of Officers 7:00 P.M.


Lonnie L. Lutrick, 32°Gerald E. Mitchell, 32°Marvin O. Ramsey, 32°Wedon T. Smith, 32°

Starting with the regularly scheduledmeeting on November 3rd, the month of No-vember 2005 will be a busy one for theMonroe Scottish Rite Bodies. Following theObservance of The Feast of Tishri on Oc-tober 5th the Kitchen Crew will have theirhands full. The High Twelve Club meetson Friday the 4th at noon and then on Sat-urday the 5th at 7:00 P.M. the Bodies willhost a dinner honoring the Veterans of thisarea (Northeast Louisiana). This annualobservance has become a tradition and notonly is it appreciated by the Veterans but itgives the members of the Monroe Valleyan opportunity to say Thank You to thesemen and women who have helped defendthe Freedom for which we are all thankful!The various service clubs; American Le-gion, Military Order of the Purple Heart,Veterans of Foreign Wars, Amvets, and WarVeterans Home are notified and invited toattend. We have had a fine turnout in pastyears and expect an even larger crowd thisyear! Don’t forget November the 5th.

A Very Busy Calendar

I am sure we have all heard the expres-sion, “She is a saint “, or “He is a saint.” Iam also reasonably sure that the person al-luded to has done something for someonethat endeared them to those using the afore-mentioned expression. Let us look at at-tributes that would tend to elevate a personto the level of sainthood among his or herpeers. Does this individual shirk any duty, as-signed or accepted? Does this person vol-unteer to do this or that task (either menialor of great importance)? Does this personsimply go ahead and do things that areneeded to be done without expecting anyaccolades or even gratitude from those ben-efited? Is this person always one of the firstto offer assistance to a Brother in need?Does this Brother, who is a very ”Handy-Man” indeed, get equipment going again,

Saint In Monroe

repair parts of the Temple that require it,keep household or gardening tools running(for other Brethren), and serve as an excel-lent role model for younger Brethren to emu-late? Does this Brother truly deserve thelevel of high esteem in which his Brethrenhold him? Does this Brother always have asmile to give a Brother a friendly lift? Doesthis Brother help newly initiated, passed, orraised Brothers learn the answers requiredas he proceeds through the degrees of hisBlue Lodge? Is he always ready to pitch inand help in any undertaking, be it a fund-raiser or regular function? I think that these characteristics men-tioned above would be attributable to one ofthe Brethren of the Monroe Scottish RiteBodies without question! I have observedthe unselfishness shown in these character-istics in a Brother we can always depend onto go the extra mile to help a Brother inneed or to console a Brother in his grief.This Brother is none other that the Illustri-ous Carl Thomas Fatheree, 33° of the Mon-roe Valley. We are proud and privileged tocall him Brother!

Saint In Monroecontinued:

A Secretary’s DreamI fell asleep the other night and while

I had my snooze,I dreamt each member had paid their

dues.And when I found t’was but a dream,

I nearly threw a fit and began to scream.It’s up to you to make it true. So please

remit as dues are due!

Words of WisdomFrom the Keystone Komments, a pub-

lication of the Keystone High TwelveClub, Wichita, Ks.

Always keep your words sweet, in case youhave to eat them.

Drive carefully. Not only cars can be re-called by their maker.

If you lend someone $20 and you neversee them again....it was probably worth it.

A truly happy person is one who can en-joy the scenery on a detour.

Birthdays are healthy for you. The moreyou have the longer you live!

Brother, I, too, own a television set, but thatdoes not keep me at home on lodge night. I havenever yet had one of the characters on televi-sion come off the screen and shake my hand.They have never offered me the warm friendshipthat my lodge brothers do. They have neverhanded me a cup of coffee or a kind word. No!Never! Author Unknown

10


sible for an Active Member of one jurisdic-tion to be elected an “Honorary Member”of another Supreme Council. This wouldmean that he was given all of the honors(voting excepted) of a SGIG in a jurisdic-tion other than the one which elected himas an Active Member.

In 1855, the Southern Jurisdiction andthe Supreme Council of Louisiana enteredinto a Concordat merging the two councils.The SJ then created in New Orleans a bodyknown as the “Chamber of Deputies.” This“Chamber” consisted of the former ActiveMembers of the Supreme Council of Loui-siana. They were elected ”Honorary” Mem-bers of the SJ and appointed Deputies ofthe SJ. This means that they were recog-nized as 33rds, but had no vote in the Coun-cil. They did, however, have certain dutiesby virtue of their office as Deputies. Theirelection as “Honorary Members” cameabout because the SJ was still at that timelimited to 9 Active Members. There wassimply no room to accommodate all of theformer Louisiana Active Members in the SJ.It was around this time that the SJ enteredinto a new practice - it began electing 32nddegree Masons to receive the 33rd degree,but NOT the office of SGIG. They wouldbe the first of what is sometimes called,“Honorary 33rds.” In fact, there is no suchthing as an “Honorary 33rd” as the honor-ary aspect is the office of SGIG, not the 33rddegree. Among the first 32nds to receivethe 33rd degree, but not the office of SGIGwas Albert Pike. Pike was, at that time, serv-ing as the Commander in Chief of the GrandConsistory of Louisiana (an office thatwould be changed to “Grand Master ofKadosh” in the 1880’s). In 1859 he wouldbe elected in the first ever SJ officer elec-tions to the office of Sovereign Grand Com-mander of the SJ. Prior to Pike’s election,the Lt. Grand Commander automaticallybecame the Sov. Grand Commander whenthe SGC left office.

Origin Of The Honorscontinued from page 1

The Louisiana AASR has a unique his-tory and a number of unexplained ceremo-nies and aspects to its ceremonies. One mostinteresting early LA Scottish Rite ceremonyis the ceremony of the Fiery Heart. It is un-known how this ritual arrived in New Or-leans, or if it was created there. All that isknown is that it was an honor investitureceremony used for deserving 32nd or 33rd

degree AASR Masons. During his time in New Orleans, Al-

bert Pike found this ceremony, liked it andtook a copy of it with him when he waselected Grand Commander of the SouthernJurisdiction. Pike saw the wisdom of hon-oring deserving Masons, but felt that hecould add his own touches to this ceremony.He then set our to rewrite parts ofthe ceremony and divide it into two sepa-rate ceremonies, one to be given to 32ndsand the other to 33rds. The ceremony for32nds became, “Knight Commander Courtof Honor” and the one for 33rds, “GrandCross Court of Honor.” The investitures metwith the approval of the council and, in time,none were elected to receive the 33rd de-gree, Inspector General Honorary, who hadnot received the KCCH investiture and theGrand Cross was normally given to 33rdswho were not Active Members of the Su-preme Council.

In 1961, the Grand College of Rites re-printed a portion of the beautiful ”Ceremonyof the Fiery Heart” in Volume 7, Part 2 ofits publication Collectanea.

Michael Poll, 32°Valley of New Orleans

Brotherly love is not a tangible com-modity. We cannot touch it or weigh it, smellit of taste it. Yet it is a reality; it can becreative, it can be fostered, it can be madea dynamic power. The Master who has it inhis Lodge and his brethren will find thatLodge and brethren give it back to him. TheMaster too worried over the cares of hisoffice to express friendliness need neverwonder why his Lodge seems too cold tohis effort. Carl H. Claudy

Be courteous to all, but intimate with few,and let those few be well tried before you givethem your confidence. True friendship is aplant of slow growth, and must undergo andwithstand the shocks of adversity before it isentitled to the appellation.

George Washington

continued from page 7Valley of Lake Charles News:

Venerable Master Elliott introduces the new BaseCommander of Camp Beauregard

Ill. Richard B Smith, 33° Personal Representativewith Ill. William J. Mollere 33° Deputy in Louisiana

Marksville chow line

Great dining at Marksville

11


CENTER NEWS

Baton Rouge ChildhoodLearning Center

The Fall Semester for the LearningCenter is in full operation, with 20 chil-dren enrolled. We are pleased to haveCarley McCoy and Aimee Bonnette re-turning as our clinicians and workingwith Dr. Medosa, our Center’s Coordi-nator.

Our success as a Center depends on aprofessional caring staff, the facility andYOUR donations. For without your con-tinued financial assistance, the childrenon our waiting lists would not be able toreach their individual potential. Thankyou for supporting the Louisiana ScottishRite Foundation and our local LearningCenter.

Joe Stroud, 33°Center Administrator

Admiral E A Barham, 33° ScottishRite Childhood Learning CenterOur University of Louisiana-Monroe

Graduate Clinicians are all smiles after re-ceiving their Louisiana Scottish Rite Foun-dation Scholarship Awards. The graduatestudents are Kasey Lindow, Grace Lard andErin Morris.

Beryl C. Franklin33°,Center Administrator

Grace Lard, Erin Morris and Kasey Lindow

Character cannot be developed in ease andquiet. Only through experience of trial and suf-fering can the soul be strengthened, ambitioninspired,and success achieved.

Helen Keller

No pessimist ever discovered the secret ofthe stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, oropened a new doorway for the human spirit.

Shreveport Learning CenterThe Shreveport Childhood Learning

Center continues with excellent staff forthe Fall. Sandra Hayes, our Coordinator,along with our two returing cliniciansErin Dupree and Kendall Cole are report-ing great progresses for our students.

You are encouraged to visit our Cen-ter and learn first hand how your finan-cial support is put into action.

Thomas F. Murphy, 33°Center Administrator

Ms. Erin Dupree Shreveport Clinician

Kendall Cole Shreveport Clinician

Baton Rouge Scottish Rite ChildhoodLearning CenterP.O. Box 15766Baton Rouge, LA 70895-5766Telephone: (225) 275-0668Admiral E. A. Barham, 33 Scottish RiteChildhood Learning Center205 University AvenueMonroe, LA 71203-3701Telephone: (318) 343-6388D. Walter Jessen Scottish RiteChildhood Learning CenterScottish Rite Temple619 Carondelet StreetNew Orleans, LA 70130Telephone: (504) 522-3789Shreveport Scottish Rite ChildhoodLearning CenterScottish Rite Temple725 Cotton StreetShreveport, LA 71101Telephone: (318) 221-9713

12



Dr. Lawrence C. Wade, 32°Valley of Baton Rouge

One definition of the noun “education” is, “An instructive orenlightening experience.” And, one definition of the verb “toenlighten” is, “To give information to; inform or instruct.” I citethese definitions in the hope that we may agree that the Mason’squest for “more light” is (or should be) nothing less than a life-time journey of continuing education.

MWB Benjamin Franklin understood this as well as anyonehas ever understood it. Throughout his life, beginning early inchildhood, he showed a voracious appetite for knowledge and un-derstanding — for enlightenment.

Franklin’s love of education was expressed in one of his “Si-lence Dogood” letters, published in James Franklin’s newspaperwhen Ben was 16 years old and was James’s indentured appren-tice. In this letter, the widow Dogood described an allegoricaldream. (Remember allegory? Masonry loves allegory – i.e., “Astory told to illustrate some truth.”) In Mrs. Dogood’s allegoricaldream, “…Learning [portrayed as something resembling a Deity]sat on a high throne reached by difficult steps.” Most “worship-ers” of this “Deity” were content to sit at the base of the pedestal,with “Madam Idleness” and her maid, “Ignorance”. Only a fewwere motivated to laboriously ascend the steps toward knowledgeand understanding — toward “Learning”.

At 16, Franklin, writing as “The Widow Silence Dogood”, notedthat the parents of some young men were, “…blind to their dull-ness and insensible of the solidity of their skulls”. Mrs. Dogoodnoted that, “…because they think their purses can afford it,” theseparents sent their sons to, “…the Temple of Learning…fromwhence they return, after abundance of trouble and charge, as greatblockheads as ever, only more proud and self-conceited.”

Benjamin Franklin’s father, Josiah Franklin, had seven chil-dren with his first wife, Anne, who died giving birth to the sev-enth. She was 34 when she died; Joshiah was 31. Upon the deathof Anne, Josiah immediately married 22 year-old Abiah Folger,with whom he subsequently had ten children. Benjamin Franklinwas the 8th of these ten, the youngest boy, and, “…from the firstthe most promising of all.” Benjamin was born in January of 1706,at which time Josiah was 48 years old and Abiah was 37.

Of his father, Benjamin Franklin wrote, “At his table he likedto have, as often as he could, some sensible friend or neighbor toconverse with, and always took care to start some ingenious oruseful topic for discourse, which might tend to improve the minds

of his children.”Early in his life, Benjamin Franklin’s uncle, Benjamin, tried

to influence the nephew of the same name to write poetry; Josiahdiscouraged this and taught his son, instead, to write prose.

Ben Franklin entered grammar school at eight years of age. Heexcelled, from the beginning. At that time, his father intended forBen to go to college and become a clergyman. But Josiah Franklinsoon changed his mind. Reasoning that college was too expensiveand that even after all their effort and expense, many college-edu-cated men were not able to make a good living, he took Ben out ofgrammar school after only a year and a half. He enrolled Ben,instead, in a private school for “writing and arithmetic”. The boydid very well with the former but failed in the latter. So, BenFranklin’s classroom education came to an end. He was ten yearsold. His father brought him home to assist in the making of candlesand soap.

Josiah’s soap and candle trade did not suit Benjamin Franklin.Over the objections of Josiah, one of Ben’s older brothers had be-come a seaman. In order to assure that Ben would not also becomea seaman, Josiah arranged to expose the boy to various other trades-men at work – carpenters, bricklayers, etc. – hoping that Ben mightfind something to his liking. This effort was to no avail.

Because of Ben’s love of books, it was finally decided that hewould, at 12, be apprenticed to his 21 year-old brother, James,who had trained in London as a printer and had returned, to estab-lish his own print shop in Boston.

Ben Franklin’s apprenticeship to his older brother was a for-mal one, based on a written indenture. The father yielded author-ity over Ben to James. Ben was bound by the terms of the inden-ture to respectfully serve his brother until he, himself, would haveattained the age of 21 years. The agreement obligated James toprovide room and board and to teach Ben the printer’s trade, inexchange for a stipulated payment by Josiah. The father did con-tinue to provide some assistance in teaching Ben to write effec-tively.

But it was young Ben, himself, who developed the most effec-tive methods for improving his writing skills. Very early in hisapprenticeship, he struck a bargain with his master, James. Ratherthan spending any money to feed (or “board”) Ben, James agreedto give Ben half the amount that had been allotted to provide hismeals. Obviously, this was profitable for James. And, of the moneythat James gave to him, Ben spent only half on meals. With therest, he bought books.

Where his classroom education had failed, Ben Franklin’s sub-sequent self-education succeeded beyond anything his father oranyone else could have imagined possible. Where he had failedarithmetic in school, he very thoroughly mastered it, on his own.In school, he had learned only a smattering of Latin; in life, he notonly taught himself Latin but also mastered French, Italian, andSpanish.

Of course, as an apprentice, Ben learned the printer’s trade.He learned it well enough, in fact, that in enabled him to retire at42 years of age, already a very wealthy man. (He was so wealthythat when his two greatest inventions — the lightning rod and theFranklin stove — could have generated fabulous amounts of moneyfor him, he refused to patent either, saying that he wanted theseinnovations to benefit mankind, in general. He “genuinely de-sired the public welfare”.)

Benjamin Franklin-His Education

13

Scottish Rite PERSISTENCE-PRESS ONcontinued from page 12Ben Franklin-Two Pseudonyms:

Franklin wrote, “From a child I was fond of reading, and allthe little money that came into my hands was ever laid out in books.”He has written that he could not recall an age at which he couldnot read. Whatever James was contracted to print, Ben read. Thisincluded the newspaper, The Boston Gazette. He read Pilgrim’sProgress and all the rest of Bunyan’s works. He read Plutarch,Defoe, Cotton Mather, and John Locke. He studied arithmetic,navigation, grammar, and logic.

By age 15, Franklin was well versed in the principles of theEuropean Enlightenment. He bought a volume of Addison’s socio-political commentary, The Spectator and was quite taken with it.He read it over and over. Using this volume, he developed variousexercises by means of which he taught himself to write effectivelyand persuasively.

First, he read the text of an article from The Spectator, writinga one-word summary of each sentence. After a few days, he triedto reconstruct what he had read, using only his one-word summa-ries and seeking to fully express the sentiments of the originalwork. He then compared his reconstructed version with the origi-nal. This exercise convinced him of the need to expand his vo-cabulary.

In order to achieve the needed expansion of vocabulary, he de-veloped a second exercise. This time, he converted what he hadread to verse – to poetry – and later attempted to reconstitute theoriginal text, working from his verse. In writing poetry, he rea-soned, one must be able to utilize a number of different words withthe same or similar meanings — i.e., one must make use of thebroadest possible vocabulary.

Thirdly, he scrambled his one-word summaries of the sentencesfrom a given work and then tested himself a few weeks later, to seeif he could restore them to their original structure and sequence.From this exercise, he learned to structure his thoughts effectively.(In some instances, in fact, he believed that he could improve uponthe structure of the original article.)

In this way, the greatest young mind of the time trained itselffor future endeavors and cultivated intellectual habits that wouldserve as a solid foundation for the development of leadership skillsin business and commerce, in science (esp. electricity), in states-manship, and in international diplomacy.

“Leadership” is perhaps the single most appropriate word forMWB Franklin’s role in America and on the world stage. Veryearly in his career in Philadelphia, he brought together a group ofenterprising young businessmen, to form a club that was first called“The Leather Apron Club” but was better known as “The Junto”.It was this “Junto” that founded the first lending library in thecolonies, a voluntary militia, a fire department, a hospital, and afire insurance company. The Junto also installed streetlights inPhiladelphia. More to the point of our discussion of Mr. Franklin’sattitudes with regard to education, this Junto founded a college;today, that college is The University of Pennsylvania. It is interest-ing to note that the rules of the Junto required each member towrite and present an original essay once every three months.

The Junto was active on the local scale, in Philadelphia, and itremained active for three decades. Later, on the national scale,Franklin called together a number of prominent men to form TheAmerican Philosophical Society. Here again, we see the leader-

ship that was made possible by the Mr. Franklin’s self-motivatededucation – his “enlightenment”.

It was, of course, Franklin’s pioneering work in the science ofelectricity that brought him worldwide fame — fame that any oftoday’s rock stars or movie stars would envy. His self-educationalachievements were soon given proper formal recognition. He wasawarded honorary Masters Degrees from Harvard University, YaleUniversity, and William and Mary College. The Royal Society,England’s preeminent scientific organization, headed by none otherthan Sir Isaac Newton, himself, awarded Franklin the Sir GodfreyCopley gold medal and then, in 1756, made him a full member ofthe Society — a “Fellow of the Royal Society”, or “FRS”. ImmanuelKant, the great German philosopher, called Franklin, “…a newPrometheus who has stolen fire from heaven.”

In leveraging “education”, or “enlightenment”, to lift himselffrom humble beginnings and rise to global fame — and even tothe loftier realms of immortality of which the human animal iscapable — MWB Benjamin Franklin has demonstrated for all timethe truth of Sir Francis Bacon’s immortal words, “…knowledgeitself is Power.”Lawrence C. Wade, M.D. is an occupational psychiatrist in Baton Rouge.He wasraised in 1966 at St. James Lodge #47. Dr. Wade was Worshipful Master in 2003and is 32° member of the Baton Rouge Consistory. He is active in many of the Scot-tish Rite Degrees and is Degree Master for the 21st Degree.

How many observe Christ’s birthday! How few, his precepts!O! ’tis easier to keep Holidays than Commandments.

A good conscience is a continual Christmas

Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and letevery new year find you a better man.

In general, mankind, since the improvement of cookery, eatstwice as much as nature requires.

Benjamin Franklin

14

Scottish Rite PERSISTENCE-PRESS ONContinued: Valley of New Orleans

From the Secretary’s DeskValley of New Orleans - Valley Newscontinued from page 5

scattered to pieces. However, we all doubt-less will help them rebuild their lodges andtheir lives.

I can only admire and thank local lodgeslike Louisiana Lodge No. 102 who housedthe NYPD for a month in their lodge build-ing after the NYPD arrived in our area torescue victims of the storm. I was told manyof the NYPD were masons. I was also heart-ened to hear about the Masonic ServicesAssociation, our own Grand Lodge, andother Louisiana lodges who have startedcollecting contributions for victims of Hur-ricane Katrina. I saw individual masonshelping others and sharing their homes withrefugees. I saw men helping men.

A good friend of mine, from HiramLodge No. 70, was called to duty for Hurri-cane Katrina in the Louisiana NationalGuard at Jackson Barracks. He telephonedme during the aftermath of the storm whilehe was rescuing families from the rooftopsof flooded homes—during the same tele-phone call, his helicopter was forced tomake an emergency landing. He later toldme that he couldn’t have made it throughthis event without the encouragement ofother masons who were serving with himand had congregated together in Masonicunity even in this time of emergency. I canonly admire his courage and the courage ofthe other men and women who came to therescue of New Orleans.

I saw masons in the Pennsylvania Na-tional Guard and others working at FEMArelief stations in Jefferson Parish practic-ing the principles of Charity and HumanKindness. I witnessed selfless acts of brav-ery in the preservation of life and the less-ening of human suffering. Many of thesemen helping others were masons from theNew Orleans area. I, like everyone, lookforward to hearing their stories, and thank-ing them personally. Our Venerable Mas-ter, Chip Borne and all of the members ofour Valley want to thank everyone who hascome to our aid, inquired about our wel-fare, and offered prayers for our safety andwellbeing. We continue to pray for thosein need and ask G-d to give us the strengthto do his will. Fraternally,

Marc Conrad,32°

Any brother who is a member of the NewOrleans Valley should forward his emailaddress to: Ill. Bro. Lloyd Hebert, 33° at:

[email protected] I have your email address, I can

enter it into my database and add you to anupcoming mailing list that will notify allthose with email addresses about ourValley’s meetings, guest speakers, and spe-cial events.

Brothers, remember, wives are morethan welcome to attend our meetings. Thededicated ladies who regularly attend ourValley’s meetings will be glad to meet withthem and extend any hospitality.

I want to extend my thanks for all ofthose who have inquired about the welfareof our Valley, the brethren, and I thank ev-eryone for their prayers. I also want to thankIll. Bro. Bill Mollere for his leadership andwords of encouragement in this time ofneed. Fraternally Yours,

Lloyd Hebert, 33° General Secretary

Fall ReunionThe Fall Reunion will be re-scheduled

once things normalize in New Orleans andthe Valley gets up and running. Check withIll. Bro. Lloyd Hebert for more information.The new date will be announced soon. Welook forward to welcoming those who havepetitioned the Scottish Rite into our frater-nal fold, and we continue to welcome morepetitioners. The next Scottish Rite reunionwill certainly be special.

If you know of any brothers who mightbe interested in receiving more light in free-masonry, then please do them a favor andoffer them a Petition to the Scottish Rite.Contact Lloyd Hebert, 33°, if you need aPetition or have any questions about theupcoming Reunion. Additionally, if you’realready a Scottish Rite mason and haven’tseen the degrees in awhile, now is the timeto again experience the beautiful esotericwork, moral lessons, and philosophicaltruths that each degree has to offer. Comeout and renew your zeal for the craft, it’snow more important than ever.

Continued: Valley of New Orleans

Perpetual MembershipOur Valley offers a great way to support

the mission and legacy of the Scottish Ritewhile at the same time providing a benefitto its members. Any brother with a currentdues card may obtain a perpetual member-ship in our Valley. The cost is one lumpsum of $1,250.00. However, those desir-ing perpetual membership may also chooseto participate in a payment plan while con-tinuing to pay their dues. Please see LloydHebert, 33° for more information and de-tails. This would make a great gift for aScottish Rite Brother.

New Orleans 2005 OfficersAlbert Pike Lodge of Perfection:Venerable Master: Clayton J. Borne, III, KCCHSenior Warden: Paul O. Langenbeck, KCCHJunior Warden: Henry F. Thibodaux, Jr., KCCH

Pelican Chapter Rose Croix:Wise Master: Raymond C. FinkSenior Warden: William C. Gray, KCCHJunior Warden: Clayton A. Wolfe

Eagle Council of Kadosh:Commander: Emmett Woods1st Lt. Commander: Frank DuTreil, KCCH2nd Lt. Commander: Warren A. Hintz, Jr.

New Orleans Consistory:Master of Kadosh: Cullen S. Peel, KCCHPrior: Jay W. OwensbyPreceptor: Marc H. Conrad

Treasurer to All Bodies:John Z. Zollinger, III, 33°

15


THE LAST WORD

Ill. William J. Mollere, 33°Deputy in Louisiana

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times....” sobegins Charles Dickens’ A TALE OF TWO CITIES. So wein the Orient of Louisiana have returned from our SupremeCouncil Session in Washington, DC in early October wherewe have elected nineteen (19) Brothers to be Coroneted asInspectors General Honorary (33º), and forty-one (41) Broth-ers to be Invested as Knights Commander, Court of Honour(KCCH). These are the best of times for these most deserv-ing men who have labored so long for Scottish Rite – allworthy and long overdue in recognition. We also look to oursouthern region of the Orient after Hurricanes Katrina andRita visited on us total devastation, and realize that we havesuffered through some of the worst of times. Some of ournewly honored Brothers have lost everything – homes, cars,businesses, friends, family, so many memories. We are allhurting for these good men and their families. Masonry inLouisiana has taken a very destructive blow across our entiresouthern region – Lake Charles to Slidell – these severalstorms have brought the worst of times. Masonic buildingswhere Lodges, Eastern Star Chapters, Royal Arch Chapters,Rainbow Assemblies, DeMolay Chapters, Shrine Clubs, andother Masonic groups have gathered for years have suffereddamage, or in some cases are destroyed. Rebuilding is inorder, and as Masons we are taught to be positive and build.Build better and stronger and plan for a brighter future. Wecan and we will. But first, we must look to the individual’sneeds and welfare. Our widows, our infirmed Brethren, thosewho have lost homes and need assistance. Remember wellthe Entered Apprentice’s main lesson – Charity, that Mason’sCharity that we know well and can administer with a truehelping hand.

It has been very gratifying to have so many telephone calls,e-mails and notes from across the nation offering help, aidand assistance. Many have sent money to our Louisiana Scot-

HONORS TO WHOM THEY ARE DUE

Bill Mollere

Continued: The Last WordHonors To Whom They Are Due

tish Rite Foundation earmarked for members relief. So manygood Brothers are willing to help. Our Supreme Council’sFoundation has received many donations to assist all of theaffected Brethren across the Gulf Coast area. Let us not for-get that our good Brothers in Mississippi suffered major dam-age too. Our Grand Lodge has been accepting donations toassist all Masons and their families. So there are a number offunds where donations can be forwarded and accepted. Let usall give as we are capable.

As we gather in Shreveport on November 12 to celebratethe newly designated Honor men and their families, we cangather as a Scottish Rite Masonic Family and renew our fra-ternal bonds. Looking over the list of men honored, it is grati-fying to note so many who have labored for years in the YorkRite of Freemasonry now being recognized for their contribu-tion to Masonry in general by having Scottish Rite call themforward for all that they have given to our gentle Craft. Thisis as it should be. Some younger men, some older men, somebusinessmen, some retired men, some who have held high of-fice, some who labor quietly behind the scenes – all most de-serving of the Honors being conferred – congratulations toeach. Thank you for all that you have done, are now doingand will be doing for Masonry, and for those who need yourassistance. Let us daily thank our God for walking beside usduring this time. Let us use the lessons of Freemasonry andthe teachings of our Scottish Rite to become better for all thathas happen during this terrible hurricane season – and let usoffer that hand of relief where needed. The best of times; theworst of times. Thank you for continuing to proudly be apracticing Scottish Rite Mason.

Louisiana Scottish Rite FoundationLouisiana Scottish Rite Trestleboard

Post Office Box 64Shreveport, LA 71161

Tel: 318-221-9713

November-December 2005 Issue05-06

Did You Know?Scottish Rite PERSISTENCE-PRESS ON

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PaidBaton Rouge, LAPermit No. 2408

Baton Rouge Scottish Rite ChildhoodLearning CenterP.O. Box 15766Baton Rouge, LA 70895-5766Telephone: (225) 275-0668Admiral E. A. Barham, 33 Scottish RiteChildhood Learning Center205 University AvenueMonroe, LA 71203-3701Telephone: (318) 343-6388D. Walter Jessen Scottish RiteChildhood Learning CenterScottish Rite Temple619 Carondelet StreetNew Orleans, LA 70130Telephone: (504) 522-3789Shreveport Scottish Rite ChildhoodLearning CenterScottish Rite Temple725 Cotton StreetShreveport, LA 71101Telephone: (318) 221-9713

Article VI, Sec. 1. The dignitaries andofficers of the Supreme Council are as fol-lows:

ELECTIVE: 1. Sovereign grandCommander, 2. Lieutenant Grand Com-mander, 3. Grand Prior, 4. GrandChancellor, 5. Grand Minister of State,6.Grand Secretary General, 7. Grand trea-surer General and 8. Grand Almoner.

APPOINTIVE: 9. Grand Chaplain(may be an Honorary Member), 10. GrandOrator, 11. Grand Master of Ceremonies,12. Grand Chamberlain, 13, First GrandEquerry, 14. Second Grand Equerry, 15.Grand Standard Bearer, 16. Grand SwordBearer and 17. Grand Herald

Your Safety and LocationThe Vally Secretaries and Personal

Representatives have been contactingmembers to check on their well being andstatus after the hurricanes. If you haven’tbeen contacted, please call your Valleyand provide them your location, contacttelephone number and temporary mail-ing address. In the event that your previ-ous status has changed, that informationneeds to be updated by the Secretaries. Itis important that we know how and whereyou are, so that we can help meet yourimmediate needs.

louisiana scottish rite trestleboard 2005.pdf · rouge. the social hour starts at 6:00 p.m. and the...

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