louisiana scottish rite trestleboard 2008.pdf · valley of new orleans: marc h. conrad, 32 ° kcch...

February - March 2008 ORIENT OF LOUISIANA Volume 10 Issue 1

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Louisiana

Scottish Rite Trestleboard

Scottish Rite KEEP MOVING FORWARD

Enlightenment Lite-XMoral Law

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

There are two important Freemasons whom we have notyet mentioned. Bro. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Bro. Ignazvon Born are very important figures in the history of The Craft.

We have plodded through history from the year 70 a.d. toThe Enlightenment. The structural outline of this series hasimitated that of Prof. Alan Charles Kors, in his lecture seriespublished by "The Teaching Company", but much has beendrawn, too, from the other "References" listed below. I hopethat it is evident that The Enlightenment and Speculative Free-masonry were and still are very intimately related and that theyhave, together, effected a revolutionary change in human lifein the Western Hemisphere.

It was the hope and the dream of the early leaders of TheEnlightenment that men and women could, in freedom, livemorally and ethically worthy lives, as equals. They recognizedthat the only thing that can stand between democracy and thedreaded "State of Nature" is a universal adherence to "TheSocial Contract".This, of course, requires that all men andwomen must be enlightened -- that is, all men and women mustbe made to know and appreciate principles of morals and ofethics -- of Charity. Masonic scholars believed the three tenetsof Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth to be necessary and suffi-cient.

John Locke argued that "Divine Law" of good and evil, and"Civil Law", the law of the state, are inadequate, without the"Law of Opinion or Reputation". This last law, "…legislatesfor those areas of human activity not covered by the divine or

civil law." It is by this "Law of Public Opinion" that men judgewhat is commonly known as "virtue and vice". Locke consid-ered the judgement of moral virtue and vice to pertain to "soci-ety" rather than to God or the state.

Similarly, Joseph von Sonnenfels saw Moral Law -- not civillaw or divine law--as the only way to bring the needs of theindividual and the needs of society into harmony.

Perhaps, though, the purest, most direct, and most power-ful statement of this vitally important Enlightenment principlewas not made by any acknowledged Enlightenment leader buthad been made, instead, 164 years earlier, in 1521, by the much-maligned Niccolò Machiavelli. In his book, Discourses on theFirst Ten Books of Titus Livius, Machiavelli wrote, "...just asgood morals, if they are to be maintained, have need of thelaws, so the laws, if they are to be observed, have need of goodmorals."

Such were the ideals of The Enlightenment, and such werethe ideals of early Speculative Freemasonry. These ideals can-not be rooted in a principle of convenience. They are incom-patible with cynicism and in such an environment can onlywither and die. Only a profound and eternally optimistic com-mitment to Truth and to its siblings Brotherly Love and Reliefcan assure that we, the Freemasons of today, and our Brothersof future generations, will not fall short of our obligations tothe Founding Principles that guided our predecessors and ulti-mately liberated them - and us -- from tyranny.

References for the Series of Ten Articles

1 .Kors, Alan Charles, Ph.D. "The Birth of the Modern Mind: An Intellec-tual History of the 17th and 18th Century." DVD electronic recordings of 24lectures of one-half hour each. The Teaching Company. 1998.2. "The Software Toolworks Multimedia Encyclopedia." Grolier, Inc. Ver.1.5. 1992.3. Machiavelli, Niccolo. The Discourses. Penguin Classics. New York, NY.1983.4. Till, Nicholas. Mozart and the Enlightenment. W. W. Norton & Co. NewYork. 1992.5. Jacob, Margaret. Living the Enlightenment: Freemasonry and Politics inEighteenth-Century Europe. Oxford University Press. New York. 1991.6. Van Doren, Carl. Benjamin Franklin. Penguin Books. New York. 1938.7. The New Encyclopædia Britannica. In 30 volumes. 15th edition. The

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Chicago. 1977.

Niccolò Machiavelli1469-1527

Joseph von Sonnenfels1732-1817

www.la-scottishrite.org

Louisiana Scottish Rite TrestleboardPublished bimonthly by the

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

EditorSteve Pence, 33°

105 Bay Hills DriveBenton, LA 71006

Tel: H: 318-965-9977

E-mail: [email protected]

Louisiana Scottish Rite Trestleboard is published bi-monthly by the Louisiana Scottish Rite Foundation. Anyarticle or views expressed in this publication are thoseonly of the writer and do not reflect the official positionof the Louisiana Scottish Rite. The editorial policy ofthis publication grants free reign to the Editor, within thelines of Masonic principles and teachings. Articles andpictures submitted become the property of this publica-tion.

Permission is granted to use contents of this Trestle-board for Masonic purposes, as long as credit is given tothe source.

Editorial StaffEditor:

Steven A. Pence, 33°Valley of Baton Rouge:

Albert J. Meek, 32°Valley of New Orleans:

Marc H. Conrad, 32° KCCHValley of Shreveport:

John F. Ayer, 32° KStAValley of Lake Charles:

John C. 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

and

Ill. William J. Mollere, 33°,Sovereign Grand Inspector General

Orient of Louisiana

Ill. Charles L. 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. Robert J. Hutchinson, 33°Personal Representative for Valley of Baton Rouge

Ill. Woody D. Bilyeu, 33°, GJWPersonal Representative for Valley of Monroe

M.W. S. Bruce Easterly, 33°and Grand Master of Masons in Louisiana


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Calendar of EventsGrand Lodge

Grand Lodge 2008 SessionBossier City February 2-3

Supreme CouncilSR Leadership ConferenceDallas, Tx March 28-29Rite Care® ConferenceWashington, DC August 28-30

Orient of LouisianaHonors BreakfastShreveport February 3

Spring ReunionsBaton Rouge March 8-9Lake Charles April 5-6Monroe April 26New Orleans April 5Shreveport April 5-6

Niccolo Machiavelli

Now You KnowI spent the time between Thankgiving

and New Year’s Eve with my Dad askingquestions about his life or filling in the dash.I knew he graduated from high school at15, was too young to take advantage of thescholarship he was awarded to ChillicotheBusiness School and too young to enlist inthe Navy. I had no idea what he did, wherehe lived and what happened between gradu-ation from school and joining the Navy. Iasked hundreds of questions and took timeto record his answers.

I sincerely hope that everyone has beenable to do the same with their parents andgrandparents. If not, I implore you to takethe time to ask the questions, if the oppor-tunity still exists. It if is no longer possiblethen have the conversations with your chil-dren, siblings and family. The dash is morethan education, vocations, family, avoca-tions and locations. What about greatestachievements, disappointments, strengthsweaknesses, proudest moments andembarassments? My list was long.

There was only one question that Dadcontinually asked the doctor, my Mother andme. “Why does it take so long to die?” Noone had an answer for him. I didn’t haveone until I returned home. The reason wasthat all of my questions had to be answered.

A return to first principles in a repub-lic is sometimes caused by the simple vir-tues of one man. His good example hassuch an influence that the good men striveto imitate him, and the wicked are ashamedto lead a life so contrary to his example.

There is nothing more difficult to takein hand, more perilous to conduct, or moreuncertain in its success, than to take thelead in the introduction of a new order ofthings.

Niccolo Machiavelli

It behooves every man to rememberthat the work of the critic is of altogethersecondary importance, and that, in the end,progress is accomplished by the man whodoes things.

The Ed

Theodore Roosevelt

The Louisiana Scottish Rite Foundation

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John L. Atkinson, 33° G.C.President

Donations continued:

Through the support of our membersand their financial contributions, andwith the countless hours of hard work,diligence, training and caring by ourEducators and Specialists, we have en-abled hundreds of children to communi-cate and thrive.

This support further provides thescholarship awards to our Engineeringand Language Disorder students.

Thank you sincerely.

Donations

High Twelve of Greater New OrleansD.A.R. Pelican Chapter

James T. WigginsJohn H. Hickman

Employees of D. Walter Jessen & AssoThe Crow Foundation

In Memory of Ralph MollereHans R. Wilhelmsen, SGIG Maryland

Richard B. SmithBallard L. Smith, PGMS. Bruce Easterly, GM

In Memory of Mary D HenryCharles G Callahan

In Memory of Preston SmithDr. & Mrs. Beryl C. Franklin

Miss Gertrude Sandrock

In Memory of Dr. Russell NormandDr. & Mrs. Beryl C. Franklin

In Memory of Dorothy YoungMiss Gertrude Sandrock

Dr. & Mrs. Beryl C. Franklin

Envelope Reminder

The Foundation is so very blessed bythe continued financial support fromwithin the Fraternity as well as from thosefrom outside.

It is only fitting that these supportersbe recognized in some small way.

As the Christmas Holiday rapidly ap-proaches please take a moment to realizecontinued donations are not only neededby the Foundation to continue our Cen-ters, but also for planning expansion ofour services.

The Foundation must also receive fi-nancial support from outside the Frater-nity. This means that we must continueto receive funds not associated withmembership dues or investment income.

Your personal contribution, makinguse of the envelope, is an outside dona-tion. Please consider sending a tax de-ductible check to your Foundation. Thankyou for your continued support.

Before all else, be armed.

Francis of Assisi

Louisiana Scottish Rite Foundation

D Walter Jessen Scholarship DonationsIn Memory of Barbara Jessen

Mercer CapitalStutes, Fontenot, Lavergne & Lutz

Thomas & Stephanie McCallaRichard B. Smith

Bassette Development CorporationMr. & Mrs. Wm. Hubert Miller

Blue and Nina ArcherJohn and Dee A. Atkinson

James H. BoyerMcElroy, Quirk & BurchThe George Paret Family

Mr. & Mrs. James E. Taussig, II

Where there is charity and wisdom,there is neither fear nor ignorance.

Niccolo Machiavelli

If you haven’t got any charity in yourheart, you have the worst kind of hearttrouble.

Bob Hope

Thank YouMy daughter, Madalyn Parker (age 5)

received speech therapy through theScottish Rite during the Fall. I justwanted to to say Thank You for provid-ing this therapy opportunity to our childand others. The program was a true bless-ing to our family. Madalyn has shownmuch improvement in her speech.

Thank you too for the fun ChristmasParty. It was nice meeting several of youand your wives. It is a wonderful thingyou all do and we much appreciate it.

Thank YouTammy Parker

Monroe, Louisiana

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Reflections on the 14th DegreeOf Perfect Elu

byRicks Martin Bowles, 32° KCCH

Valley of Baton Rouge

"Advance, and never halt, for advancing is perfection. Advanceand do not fear the thorns in the path, for they draw only corruptblood."

The word "perfection" and the idea of perfection are abun-dant in the rituals and writings of Freemasonry. The FourteenthDegree, that of Perfect Elu is the terminal degree of the Lodgeof Perfection. As Freemasons, most especially Scottish RiteFreemasons, it seems that we are constantly exhorted to be per-fect or, at the very least, strive for perfection. Perfection; thatattribute that we assign only to the Great Architect of the Uni-verse or aspects of His Creation. We know that as humans wecannot achieve it, yet we are taught in every degree and chap-ter of Freemasonry that we should always strive to be perfect.

I have long found my pursuit of perfection to be a grimjourney fraught with many frustrations, failures, and pitfalls.I sometimes allow myself to stop my travels and give up onthis idea of perfection. And yet, when I arise from my "o poorme" doldrums, I realize that perfection is possible within thatwhich is not perfect…me!

For example, love is perfect. We can create and maintainperfect love. Love for our children, our spouse, and love thatcauses us to help those who cannot help themselves. Love forour Brothers and, yes, love for ourselves, which seems to comewhen we find ourselves truly loving others. This love, whichthe Greeks called "Agape" is perfect, for it reflects our Creator'slove for us. His love is perfect; therefore, so is our love perfect.

So, how do we achieve perfection? I believe that it is oftenachieved as much by what we don't do, as by what we do. Ihave found that my value to my friends, brothers, and family ismuch greater if I listen, rather than if I advise. I won't pretendto be good at listening, but, you know, I have never made amistake when I listened. I have made scores of mistakes whenadvising. So, perhaps we achieve perfection when we simplylisten. I am reminded of how J. R. R. Tolkien described one ofhis character's homes, "His house was perfect, whether you likedfood, or sleep, or work, or story-telling, or singing, or justsitting and thinking, best, or a pleasant mixture of them all."

Imagine some of the best times of your life. The evening

has grown rather late and you are sitting with a BrotherFreemason talking Lodge-lore. Perhaps a beverage is at hand,perhaps not. A delightful meal has been consumed. Perhapsone of you is testing the other on ritual. Or maybe you areengaged in the pursuit of a philosophical question. Perfect.

A soft breeze blows in off the bay, tickling the flowers inthe planters surrounding the tables and umbrellas where yousit with that special one in your life. In your eyes, and hers,you both are as when you first met. You fall in love all overagain. Perfect.

You are with your child, or grandchild, when he or shediscovers something new, or perhaps catches a first f ish. Per-fect.

The Lodge is dim. A new candidate, perhaps your friend orrelative, is before the Altar of Freemasonry for the first time.He is just realizing that he is now your Brother, as you are his,and is obviously moved by his evening's experience. Perfect.

Giving one's self permission to enjoy perfection and thoseperfect moments means opening up in different ways, and some-times that takes courage and diligence. It can mean abandon-ing old images of ourselves and becoming something new. Italmost always means abandoning prejudices and becoming non-judgmental. We often refer to Freemasonry as "The GentleCraft." Most of us have to make some changes if we are trulyto be a gentle part of it.

Matthew Arnold said, “The pursuit of perfection, then, isthe pursuit of sweetness and light." Sounds like pure Freema-sonry to me. Perfect.

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 the first Wednesday 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: 504-527-5982Email: [email protected]

WebSite: www.nolascottishrite.com

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Calendar of EventsStated Communications 7:30 PM

Wednesday, February 6thValentine Celebration for our LadiesLecture explaining history of ValentineGuest ChefWednesday, March 5thExemplify SR 1st - 3rd DegreesPresentation on development SR RitualWednesday, April 2ndService of Remembrance Obligatory DayEsoteric LecturerGourmet MealSaturday, April 5th 7:00 amJoint NMJ & SJ Scottish Rite ReunionHistoric Event with Northern Jurisdic-tion participating

continued on page 12

In MemoriamDavid Ross Baron, 32°

Jimmie McGill Bilyeu, 32°Thomas Ballou Brooks, 32°

Ned Charles Dowell, 32°Abraham Joseph Rau, 32°

Robert Garther Wiggins, 32°

2008 Membership Fees are nowPAST Due

Recent Valley NewsHoliday Concert

On December 5, 2007, the Valley metfor our annual Holiday and New Year'sCelebration. The brethren and theirguests enjoyed a concert performed bythe Jerusalem Shrine Orchestra. TheShrine Orchestra performed traditionalfestive songs accompanied by a beauti-ful vocalist. During the convert, every-one feasted upon a traditional holidaymeal with included homemade holidaypastries. After the concert, everyoneconvened to the upstairs auditorium fora special Knights Commander Court ofHonor (KCCH) Investiture for twobrothers, one of whom is from the NewOrleans Valley, Bro. Ion Lazar.

Special KCCH InvestitureTwo brothers received KCCH honors

in New Orleans on December 5, 2007,during a special investiture ceremonysince they were unable to attend the ear-lier KCCH investiture ceremony in No-vember, 2007 that had been hosted by theValley of Shreveport. During both inves-titure ceremonies, Shreveport and NewOrleans, the Orient's KCCH investitureteam gave exemplary and moving perfor-mances. The Valley of New Orleans of-fers its gratitude to the members of theKCCH investiture team who participatedin this year's ceremonies: Warren Hintz,Allen Tidwell, A.C. Reeder, Cullen Peel,Nick Randazzo, Louis Stern,PaulLangenbeck, John Williamson, JimParker, Jay Owensy, B.J. Guillot, Cleve-land Bruce, Chip Borne, Frank Dutreil,Lloyd Hebert, Frank Silva, and MarcConrad.

Knightly NewsOn January 25, 2007, our 2008 elected

off icers were installed and our newestKnights of St. Andrew were so honoredat the Knights of St. Andrew's annualRobert Burns Supper.The Supper washeld on the 25th in honor of Bro. RobertBurns's birthday. Carmine's Restaurantkindly hosted the event and prepared an

exemplary traditional Scottish supper thatfeatured a Louisiana version of the fa-mous Scottish Haggis. The Knights cel-ebrated the event with traditional poetryreadings and comical toasts. SomeKnights even arrived at the functionwearing clan tartan plaid (you know whoyou are!). All who attended the Supperlook forward to next year's event. Thisyear's Venerable Master for the Knightsof St. Andrew is Bro. Guy Wilson. Bro.Wilson is currently planning the annualKnights of St. Andrew Family Day whichis held in July. Congratulations to ournewest Officers and Knights.

Valley of Shreveport News Chartered October 26, 1913

Meets on the second Tuesday of every month

Shreveport Scottish Rite Temple725 Cotton Street

Shreveport, LA 71101-9713Secretary: John L. Atkinson, 33° G.C.


Web: www.shreveportscottishrite.com

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IN MEMORIAM

CALENDAR OF EVENTSTuesday, February 12thRegular Meeting 6:30 PM

Tuesday, March 11thOpen Meeting 6:30 PMBroadmoor Baptist Gospel Quartet

April 5th-6th Spring ReunionNote: Advisory Conference meets at 5:00

P.M. before each meeting.


Give a Living Legacy! Donate tothe Shreveport Scottish Rite

Foundation

Kenneth Rae Dew 32°Bob C Floyd, 32°Leon B Johns 32°W E Harris 32°

James H Pieper, 33°Henry Sherman Preston, 32°

Ennis C Watson, 32°Burl Wells, 32°

Building Foundation

Knightly News KCCH Club Corner

Knight Commander John Ayer and D CliftonBrown

Fraternally,John F Ayer, 32° KStA

2008 OfficersShreveport Lodge of Perfection:Venerable Master: Robert L LaBorde, 32° KCCHSenior Warden: Richard L Hollier, 33ºJunior Warden: Larry B Ledbetter, Sr., 33º

Shreveport Chapter Rose Croix:Wise Master: H Edward Durham, 33°Senior Warden: Stanford L Jensen, 33ºJunior Warden: Gary L Gribble, 33°

Shreveport Council of Kadosh:Commander: Stanford L Jensen., 33°1st Lt. Commander: Gary L Gribble, 33º2nd Lt. Commander: Charles F Jackson, 33°

Shreveport Consistory:Master of Kadosh: Robert L LaBorde, 32° KCCHPrior: Charles E Shearer, 33ºPreceptor: Richard L Hollier, 33º

Treasurer All Bodies:Louis E McGee, 33°Secretary All Bodies:

John L Atkinson, 33° GC

2008 OfficersKnight Commander: E Allen Kelly, 32° KStAKnight Warden: Carey C Allison, 32º KStAKnight Captain: Joseph E Moore, 32º KStAKnight Steward: John F Ayer, 32° KStA

Congratulations go out to DarrylClifton Brown who was elevated to therank of Knight at the Valley BusinessMeeting in December.

The Title of Knight Chevalier was be-stowed upon brothers Steven A. Pence,33° and Gary L. Gribble, 33° in ceremo-nial fashion in recognition of their assis-tance in getting the Chapter started andsupporting it since it's inception in Sep-tember 2005. These two Knights havedemonstrated all the Values and Virtuesin their daily lives as True Knights of theOrder. All ranks and titles were bestowedby the Charter Knight Commander JohnF. Ayer.

Knight Commander John Ayer, Steve Pence andGary Gribble

The KCCH Club meets once a quar-ter, during the same month as the Dis-trict Lodge meeting. Mark your calen-dars, Jan 8th, April 8th, July 8th, Octo-ber 14th. Give Mike Ironsmith, ClubPresident a call if you want to get in-volved in the many activities of the clubat: (318) 868-3308.

The founders of our Valley's Templewere men of vision. This year we cel-ebrate our 95th Anniversary. Let's com-mit to keeping their Vision a lastingmemorial for the future. Help us keepour Temple a place of awe and beautyin the community for future generationsby making a tax deductible donation tothe Foundation. Send your contribu-tions to:Shreveport Scottish Rite Foundation

P. O. Box 64Shreveport, LA 71161.

DonationsBallard L Smith In Memory of Ralph Mollere

S Bruce Easterly, GM

Valley of Lake Charles News Chartered October 16, 1923

Meets on the 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, February 20thWilliam J Mollere, 33° SGIGWednesday, March 19thR:W: J F “Jeff ” Webb, 33° Deputy GMThursday, March 20thService of RemembranceApril 5th-6th Spring ReunionWednesday, April 16thDr. Ronald R Thigpen, D.C.Wednesday, May 21stDaniel CastorianoWednesday June 18thCalcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony MancusoWednesday, July 16thHarold Young Dyslexia ProgramWednesday, August 20thAnnual Charter move meetingWednesday, September 17thHonor Past Venerable Masters-50 yearWednesday, October 15thFeast of TishriSaturday, October 18thFamily Day FestivalWednesday, November 19thChildhood Learning CenterWednesday, December 17thElection of Officers


IN MEMORIAM

2008 Membership fees were dueDecember 31, 2007

Back Door Lunch-Last Friday every month

Valley Jewels

Endowed Membership

Joseph Braxton Blake, Jr. 32°Jack E Clark, 32°

Denver Nevils, 32°Carl Hollis Pounders 32°

Edward J Sigler, 32°

Spring Reunion

2008 OfficersLake Charles Lodge of Perfection:Venerable Master: Jimmy H Leger, 32° KCCHSenior Warden: C Clifford Heath, 32º KCCHJunior Warden: Daryl G Johnson, 32º, KCCH

Lake Charles Chapter Rose Croix:Wise Master: Kenneth V Michel, 32° KCCHSenior Warden: John C Butterick, 32ºJunior Warden: Allen R Fruge, 33°

Lake Charles Council of Kadosh:Commander: Archie E Hickman, Jr., 32° KCCH1st Lt. Commander: Jimmy H Leger, 32° KCCH2nd Lt. Commander: William B Powell, 32º KCCH

Lake Charles Consistory:Master of Kadosh: C Clifford Heath, 32° KCCHPrior: Donald R Veret, 32º KCCHPreceptor: Murry C “Bo” House, 33º

Treasurer All Bodies:Clarence L Callihan, 32° KCCH

Secretary All Bodies:Charles G Callahan, 33°

A few beautifully detailed limited pro-duction Consistory jewels for wear by thebrethren at Scottish Rite events are stillavailable for sale for $25.00. This spe-cial jewel comes with a stylish blackleather-like hanger for wear with a suitor sports coat. For more informationabout purchasing one of these limitedproduction jewels, please contact our Sec-retary: Ill. Bro.Callahan, 33°

Did you know that our Valley offersits members a manner by which they cansupport the traditions and future of theScottish Rite while at the same time en-joying the personal benefits of perpetuallife membership? Any brother who has acurrent dues card may obtain an endowed.perpetual membership in our Valley. Thecost is only $1,500.00, but a payment planis available. Please contact Ill. Bro.Charles Callahan, 33° for more informa-tion and details. This would make a greatgift for a dedicated Scottish Rite Brother.

Our reunion is scheduled for April 5thand 6th. Many of our members have re-ported their respective lodges have beenbusy raising new Master Masons andpeaked interests in the Craft in general.This presents a wonderful opportunity toour Valley in that we can offer a continu-ing journey for these new Masons.

Although the reunion is over twomonths away, now is the time to intro-duce Scottish Rite Masonry to the newlyraised brethren. Invite these brethren toattend the Service of Remembrance pro-gram on March 20th.

Valley of Baton Rouge NewsChartered October 20, 1955

Meets on the second Monday of every month

Baton Rouge Scottish Rite Temple14598 Florida BoulevardBaton Rouge, LA 70819

Secretary: Beverly J. Guillot, 33°Tel: 225-275-0668 Fax: 225-273-0750

Email: [email protected]

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CALENDAR OF EVENTSDinner 6:30 Meeting 7:30Monday, February 11thValentine Dinner honoring Ladies AuxMarch 8-9 Spring ReunionMonday, March 10thIll. Ronald A Seale-33° Grand CommanderMonday, April 14thService of RemembranceMonday, May 12thIll. Howard E Kerce, 33° SGIG MississippiMonday, June 9thIll. Dwane F Treat, 33° SGIG ArkansasMonday, July 14thIll. M Douglas Adkins, 33° Deputy TexasMonday, August 11thM:W: Ill. Lloyd E Hennigan, 33° GMMonday, September 8thPast Venerable Masters NightOctober 4-5 Fall ReunionMonday, October 13thFeast of TishriMonday, November 10thPast Grand Masters Night

Knights of St. AndrewMeets the 4th Monday of every month.Refreshment 6:30 Meeting 7:00


In MemoriamHoward L Chaney, 32°

Sidney Douglas Cowart, 32°Louis Cressione, Jr. 32°

Louis Fox 32°Ralph Lewis Gray, 32°

Lloyd Gerald Pence, 33°Richard Edmond Shaw, 32°

2008 MEMBERSHIP FEES ARENOW PAST DUE

From The Secretary s DeskFraternally,

B. J. “ Bev” Guillot, 33°Valley Secretary

2008 OfficersBaton Rouge Lodge of Perfection:Venerable Master: Jimmie A Galloway, 32° KCCHSenior Warden: Ricks M Bowles, 32º KCCHJunior Warden: A Nicholas Auck , 32º, KCCH

Baton Rouge Chapter Rose Croix:Wise Master: Marshall L Woodard, 32°Senior Warden: Charles R Peabody, 32º KCCHJunior Warden: Robert T Canzonire, 32º

Baton Rouge Council of Kadosh:Commander: David M Wallace, 32° KCCH1st Lt. Commander: G Eugene Cagle , 32°2nd Lt. Commander: William E Womack, 32º

Baton Rouge Consistory:Master of Kadosh: Wayne M Mitchell, 32° KCCHPrior: Lawrence D Wade, 32ºPreceptor: Brian L Watson, 32º KCCHTreasurer to All Bodies Ben F Melanson, 33°

Valley Jewel

How High Is The Bar?From the time each of us is in diapers

until we are laid beneath the sods of thevalley, we are compared to others andchallenged. These comparisons, or chal-lenges, help each of us to set standardswhich define our lives. Throughout lifewe continue to "raise the bar" or set ourstandards high if we wish to experienceendless growth and our full potential.Think back on your life and you will prob-ably remember someone who tried to getyou to set your bar high, which in turncreated a positive effect on your life. Ican personally recall when my motherpushed me to speak or deliver a sermonin church. No way did I feel I couldhandle this high task as it was above mycapabilities, but I did it and it had a posi-tive effect on me in my personal, frater-nal and business lives. When my son wasin high school and I took him to the hillsof St Helena parish and had him run upand down the hills, while I followed himin the truck, just might have had an ef-fect on him in his challenges in life. SteveAlford and Claude Bonnecarre chal-lenged me to learn & participate in de-gree work in the blue lodge and work myway through the chairs, learn all I couldabout the fraternity and it would benefitme in life in general and masonry in par-ticular. Lloyd Pence told me to never be-lieve that I could not do something, re-

gardless of what it might be and to al-ways have confidence in myself to achieveany task. Brethren, set the bar high, ac-cept the challenge of life and your peers,don't be fearful of failure, but if you dofail, always come back fighting for thetop. I look at the leaders of our SupremeCouncil, our State and our Valley and Iknow that these individuals would not bewhere they are if they did not set the barhigh.

On February 11th we will honor ourladies and the ladies auxiliary. Please bepresent to thanks these ladies who allowus to participate in this fraternity we allso dearly love.

On March 1st & 2nd the Baton RougeValley will have its spring reunion. Weare setting the bar high and are planningon having over 25 members in the class.If you don't believe it can be done, stepout of the way of the people who do be-lieve for we have set our bar high.

The Baton Rouge Valley has some ofthe most proficient degree teams in thestate. However, on too many occasions,their work has fallen on deaf ears becauseour sound system was totally dysfunc-tional and although the sound crewworked so hard to make it operate, thesystem worked when it wanted and there-fore some of us old members have beenunable to hear. Thanks to the persistenceand dedication of our sound personnel,Russ Delaune 33° , Danny Smith 33°,Tim Hutchinson 33°, and Jason Rigsby32° , we now have a new system. We willcontinue to upgrade what we have as longas we have the support of the member-ship.

The Baton Rouge Valley has started abuilding fund to build a new temple. We


Valley of Monroe NewsChartered November 13, 1971

Meets on the first Thursday of every month

Monroe Scottish Rite Temple205 University Avenue

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


9

IN MEMORIAM

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Thursday, February 7thDinner with Ladies 6:00 PMProgram Bubba Via 7:00 PMSaturday, February 23rdHonoring Master Masons 6:30 PMFeatured Speaker Grand MasterThursday, March 6thDinner with Ladies 6:00 PMProgram 7:00 PM


2008 Membership fees were due byDecember 31, 2007

Remember Your Obligations

Veterans Dinner

Fraternally,Beryl C Franklin, PhD 33°

2008 OfficersMonroe Lodge of Perfection:Venerable Master: Challie B Griggs, 32° KCCHSenior Warden: Joseph H Baker, PGM, 33ºJunior Warden: Gregory L Wrenn , 32º, KCCH

Monroe Chapter Rose Croix:Wise Master: William P Griggs, 32° KCCHSenior Warden: Michael A Watts, 32ºJunior Warden: Randall S Hollis, 32º KCCH

Monroe Council of Kadosh:Commander: Ralph H Owens, 33°1st Lt. Commander: Earl D Killingsworth, 32º KCCH2nd Lt. Commander: Elzy L Roberson, 32º KCCH

Monroe Consistory:Master of Kadosh: C Alton Drummond, 33°Prior: H Levern Defee, 32ºPreceptor: E S “Sparky” Foster, 32ºTreasurer to All Bodies Carl T Fatheree, 33°Secretary to All Bodies Robert C Joyner, 33°

As we start a new year of operationsat the Monroe Scottish Rite Temple weneed to be reminded of some of the prom-ises we have made in the many obliga-tions we have taken in our Masonic Jour-ney thus far. At the time we took them,we were a bit flustered and impressedwith the progress we were making in ourJourney in search of More Masonic Light.While we promised to support our Ma-sonic groups (whether it was our BlueLodge or the Appendant Bodies), wedidn't fully realize that "support" did notrefer only to the financial aid we gave.This "Support" was also meant to includeour activities as Members of a Familysupport each other in all aspects of life.Physical, Spiritual and Moral Support areall a part of the larger picture.

Physical support includes: securingpetitions from our Blue Lodge Brethrento advance their knowledge of MasonicLight, volunteering for the Stage Crew,Degree Cast, Wardrobe, Lighting andSound, Kitchen Crew and, willing to ac-tively help wherever needed. Especiallyoffering to assist the Brethren who holdoffice in the Various Bodies. This latteroffer of assistance will do wonders in itsSpiritual uplift of the Officers themselvesas well as to give yourself an uplift inknowing you have helped a Brother. Thisconcept of Brotherly Love and supportcertainly provides a Moral quality to anyendeavor undertaken. Get involved in thevarious activities going on at the Mon-roe Scottish Rite and then you will feelbetter about the Obligations we have alltaken in our Journey to Seek more Ma-sonic Light.

2008 Officers L:R Venerable Master Challie BGriggs, Wise Master William P Griggs, CommanderRalph H Owens and Master of Kadosh C AltonDrummond

The Monroe Scottish Rite Bodieshave, for a number of years now, spon-sored a dinner for the Veterans of this areaand this year on November 17th we did itagain. The dining hall was resplendentin its patriotic decoration and the newwhite tables and chairs. Marjorie Joynerand Mary Stidams did a beautiful job cre-ating the décor that was so very appro-priate for such an occasion.

LTC John Baker, Ph. D gave a veryfitting talk on veterans and their serviceto our Country. There were approximately100 present and all Branches of Servicewere present and recognized. The Kitchencrew did a splendid job in preparing thebrisket with all the trimmings that wasso good, it was difficult to sit still whileeating. A very successful and heart-warm-ing tribute to those who have served thisGreat Country of Ours!

Lloyd Chris Barnett, 32°J Herman Hall, 32°

William Leon McIntosh, 32°Harold William Moye, 32°Joseph Michael White, 32°

Charles Wayne Worthington, 32°

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Scottish Rite KEEP MOVING FORWARDcontinued from page 9Baton Rouge Valley:

May God continue to bless you for your service,Robert J Hutchinson, 33°

Personal Representative

are asking for donations and no donation is too small or toolarge. This will not be an easy task, but as our Past VenerableMaster Jim Wingate 32 KCCH said, the first step is the long-est step in that 1000-mile journey. We have taken the first step,now we all need to join the journey and take our first step.

We will be going to the Scottish Rite Leadership Confer-ence in Dallas on March 28th and will have two fellows fromour valley making the journey with us. The Baton Rouge Val-ley has had some outstanding fellows at these conferences suchas our Venerable Master Jimmy Galloway 32 KCCH, RobertKnight 32 KCCH Past Master of Kadosh, Gene Cagle 32 Chiefcook for the Valley, and A J Meek 32 new Editor for the BatonRouge Valley. The "Fellows Program" is a great program andwe look forward to attending and having two new fellows at-tend.

Brethren, 2008 will be an eventful year for the Baton RougeValley, but it will be successful only if you participate. Join usat our meetings and enjoy the fellowship.

As I was watching a documentary about Freemasonry onthe Discovery Channel, it pointed out, right at the very end,that each Grand Lodge is separate from all other Grand Lodges.Therefore, the membership criteria may, and probably wouldbe, different from one jurisdiction to another. In fact, in one ofthe Northeastern states, women are now being allowed to be-come members of the Blue Lodges. It did not specify if theywere actually being raised in the degrees or if these were "to-ken" memberships, mainly to expand their workforce and theirmembership rolls. In either case, it got my attention.

I grew up as part of a Masonic family. My father was PastMaster of Landmark Lodge #214, as was my best friend's fa-ther. My mother was a member of Eastern Star. And the onlyreason I never joined the Rainbow Girls was money - I couldn'tafford the dress and my mother had no way to get me therewith Dad using our only car for work. We lived in the countryand it would not have been convenient for others to pick me upand bring me home. The man I married forty years ago was nota Mason when we wed. But, a few years later, his father andmy father had the honor of raising him to the Sublime Degreeof Master Mason. What a privilege that must have been for allof them. I know we had a big party afterward, and the men haddone most of the cooking!

Tom, my husband, is active in many Masonic bodies, and iscurrently serving as Grand Chaplain for the Grand Lodge,Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Louisiana, GrandCouncil of Cryptic Masons of Louisiana; and Grand Prelatefor the Grand Commandery of Louisiana. He is a 33° IGHwith the Shreveport Valley of the AASR SJ and is the DegreeCaptain for the 14 Degree. He also serves as the Chaplain forthe Valley. We are both members of the Order of the EasternStar, having served our chapter, Sunset Star#227 as WorthyMatron and Worthy Patron four times. I am active in the So-cial Order of the Beauceant, and am currently moving towardthe East in The Daughters of the Nile, Khafra Temple#121.Our oldest granddaughter is a member of Temple Assembly,International Order of Rainbow for Girls. One of our sons is amember of Caddo Lodge#179, Scottish Rite, and El KarubahShrine. This really only covers a small portion of our Masonicinvolvement.

The Bible and our wedding vows assured us that the twowould become one: one heart, one mind, one body and onesoul. I don't need a membership card to his Blue Lodge to knowthat I am a member. No, I can't, and wouldn't if I could, gointo the stated meetings. That's not where my participation isneeded. (Although a woman's insight might come in handyfor them!) I support my husband in the time and dedication hegives to this craft that he loves. I see the good that comes fromthe work: in individuals, in charities at home and charitiesabroad, in civic influence and support, in education and many,many other areas of society. I guess what I'm really trying tosay is that as long as Tom is a member that automatically makesme a member.

Our Masonic family has grown so large across the state andthe nation. Strong bonds of friendship have been made that Iknow will pull me through a storm if ever needed. When I hadmy brain surgery five years ago, I knew that there were Ma-sons across this state praying for me. That gave me a peace toenter the surgical suite knowing that the prayers would notstop until the surgery was complete and I was out of the woods.P.G.M. Roy B. Delaney came to the hospital before daylight topray with me. Velma and Edmund Hays, Past Grand Matronand Past Grand Patron, came from Glenmora to sit with myfamily and to pray while I was in surgery. My dear sisters inStar and in Christ, Angela McNicoll and Sue Richards stayedall day. There were so many others that I did not even find outabout till weeks after the surgery. But that day, that day, I knewthe Masons in this state were praying for me and I had peace.Communication with W.A.Morris during the day kept every-one informed and current on my condition as he shared all thenews via email. What more can I say? I knew what fraternalorganization I was a member of, no doubt about it. But thatwould not be the case if Tom were not the card carrying mem-ber. I don't want or need my name on the roll. I simply wantmy kind and thoughtful husband to continue dedicating him-self to the advancement of Freemasonry.

To The Women continued:

To The WomenBy

Mrs Thomas P. Brown

RespectfullySue Brown

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Admiral E A Barham, 33° Scottish RiteChildhood Learning Center

CENTER NEWS

On November 12, 2007, the children receiving therapy at the Monroe Scottish Rite Center at the Monroe Temple weretreated to an End-of-Semester Party. Three lovely ladies (Wives of Scottish Rite Masons) pitched in and made favors, arrangedgames, made cupcakes and planned the festive occasion. These ladies: Marjorie Joyner, Carol Lofton and Mary Stidams wentthe "extra mile" to ensure that the children had a good time!

The Department of Communicative Disorders at ULM, Mrs. Norma Johnson, M.A., CCC/SLP Clinical Director, Mrs. MeganHayden, M.A., CCC/SLP, Supervisor, and the three Graduate Clinicians: Codi Barthel, Casey Haftmann and Abby Claypool aswell as Dr. Judy Fellows, Department Head were all present to help the Children in Therapy and their parents or grandparentsenjoy a fun time. Everyone seemed to enjoy the get-together and it did our collective ears great to hear the words of appreciationfor Monroe Scottish Rites involvement and sponsorship of this Philanthropic Center.

Beryl C. Franklin, 33°Center Administrator

Clinicians Casey Haftmann and Codi Barthel flank two of the Learning Center’s students.

Robert C Joyner, 33°, Marjorie Joyner and Dr. Beryl C Franklin, 33° join two studentsat the Semester break party.

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Scottish Rite KEEP MOVING FORWARDcontinued from page 5New Orleans Valley:

Esoteric & Philosophical Lecture CommitteeThis year offers the brethren another opportunity to learn

more about the esoteric Light and spiritual advancement of-fered by a formal study of the Scottish Rite Degrees and tradi-tions. Students of our unique Scottish Rite degrees and tradi-tions often remark that a formal study of the religions, ideas,concepts and philosophies referenced throughout the ScottishRite degrees, Morals & Dogma and A Bridge to Light offerstudents who study the degrees the opportunity to learn moreabout one's own religion in addition to learning more aboutthe Ancient Western Mystery Schools.

The Scottish Rite degrees assemble different theological andphilosophical questions pondered by our ancient brethren.These concepts originate from many different societies, broth-erhoods, religions, and schools of thought. Although each cul-ture, society, religion, and even period of history has produceddifferent answers to the universal questions, Who, What, andWhy, we, despite our differences, are all united in these ques-tions-everyone asks the same questions and desires answers.These questions unite us and make Scottish Rite masonry trulyuniversal in character. Last year, the Supreme Council autho-rized a new Scottish Rite Monitor and Ritual Guide. It acts asan excellent companion to Morals & Dogma and the more con-temporary digest concerning the Scottish Rite degrees, A Bridgeto Light. The Scottish Rite degrees offer the serious studentthe opportunity to learn more about comparative religion, phi-losophy, and esoteric principles. Please take the opportunityto deepen your relationship and dedication to the unique eso-teric traditions offered by the Scottish Rite. If you would liketo join our study group, give a lecture in 2008, or have a sug-gestion about a lecture topic, then please contact Bro. Marc H.Conrad, 32° KCCH when you next visit the Valley.

From The Secretary’s DeskFor the f irst time in contemporary Scottish Rite history, the

Southern and Northern Masonic Jurisdictions and their respec-tive Supreme Councils will unite together in peace and har-mony to hold a joint degree conferral ceremony for new candi-dates at a Special Scottish Rite Reunion. Degrees from boththe Southern and Northern Jurisdictions will be conferred uponcandidates hailing from the Valley of Chicago of the NorthernMasonic Jurisdiction and upon candidates from the Orient ofLouisiana, Valley of New Orleans and Valleys from the South-ern Masonic Jurisdiction.

New Orleans has been chosen to host this historic event.The Valley of New Orleans's 14th Degree Team will have thehonor of convening a Lodge of Perfection and conferring the14th degree upon the candidates. Other Valleys will share inthe degree conferrals including the Valley of Chicago who willperform Northern Masonic degree ceremonies that are uniqueto that Jurisdiction. Moreover, the 16th Masonic District, withthe permission of the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, will exem-plify the 1-3 Scottish Rite degrees in honor of the occasion.

The Valley of New Orleans has been given the greatest ofhonors by being asked to participate in this event especiallyconsidering the fact that Louisiana Scottish Rite Masonry andthe Valley of New Orleans both hold a unique place in ScottishRite history. Louisiana served as a major conduit and destina-tion for Scottish Rite Masonry as it traveled from the FrenchWest Indies to North America. Louisiana Scottish Rite Ma-sonry first introduced Ill. Bro. Albert Pike to the Scottish Ritetraditions. Ill. Bro. Pike first served Scottish Rite masonry asan officer starting with the Valley of New Orleans when heheld the post of Grand Master of Kadosh of the GrandConsistory of Louisiana.

This historic SJ and NMJ Scottish Rite Reunion will beheld on Saturday, April 5th. I encourage all Scottish Rite breth-ren to spread the word about the Reunion to any Masonic breth-ren who have not yet experienced the Scottish Rite degreesand who are not yet Scottish Rite Brothers. Now is the time toask them to submit a Petition to receive the Scottish Rite de-grees. This special event will be the largest class Reunion to beheld in the last 100 years in Louisiana and it will likely be themost significant event from a historical perspective. I inviteall Scottish Rite brothers to attend this Reunion to witness theevent. Please submit your Petitions early since space will belimited. Other events will be held in conjunction with this Re-union so please attend the upcoming stated meetings of theValley for more information.

continued from previous columnNew Orleans ValleyFrom the Secretary’s Desk:

Fraternally,Lloyd Hebert, 33° Secretary

From Your Correspondent

The movie National Treasure: Book of Secrets recently ar-rived to theaters in December of 2007. For anyone who hasn'tbeen following the popular press, it is the sequel to the block-buster hit National Treasure released in 2004. I took my fam-ily to see both movies in the theaters. I felt a strange sensationof pride in the fact that my family could see the symbols of myfraternity on the big screen while observing my fraternity's rolein American History since American History and Freemasonryare often intertwined. While both of these movies containfantastical, outrageous, and improbable conspiracy theoriesconnecting Freemasonry to major historical events, both of thesemovies have actually breathed new life into the public's per-ception of Freemasonry. The National Treasure movie franchisehas brought Freemasonry back into the public's eye and it hasinserted Masonic themes back into everyday conversation.

Family and friends who know that I am a Freemason nowcall me with questions about Freemasonry and the NationalTreasure movies. While they jokingly ask me whether I knowwhere our treasures, such as the "Knights Templar TreasureHoard" or the "Lost City of Gold," are hidden (if you know thewhereabouts of these items, then please let me know), their

Our Real National Treasures:Brotherhood, American History & Esoteric Tradition


13


questions more often than not focus upon Freemasonry's rolein American History. The public is simply unaware of ourfraternity's connection to American History and they are sur-prised when they discover these connection. It is commonknowledge to us that many of the founding fathers were Free-masons. We take it for granted, but, this information isn't com-mon knowledge to the average person in the 21st Century. So,I proudly respond to these questions with statements aboutGeorge Washington and Benjamin Franklin. I also discuss theAge of Enlightenment and how its philosophies took holdamong Masonic groups and flourished into revolutionary zeal.Freemasons are credited with advancing the ideas of liberty,fraternity, equality, universal suffrage, democracy and consti-tutional government, religious tolerance, freedom of thoughtand speech, secular education, and the vital concept of the sepa-ration of church and state.

While I enjoy discussing the fraternity with my friends andrelatives, I would rather tell them more about what I considerour real treasures to be. While it is absurd to believe that wehold vital secrets revealing the location of the Templar Trea-sure or the Lost City of Gold, these sensational topics are whatgenerate interest in the Craft-so be it. However, we do havereal treasures. I believe them to be Brotherhood, AmericanHistory, and Esoteric Tradition.

Men join Freemasonry for any number of reasons, but oneprimary reason for joining is that they want to congregateamong men of good character in perfect brotherhood. The broth-erhood and fraternal bonds created by Freemasonry is one ofour true National Treasures. In the 21st Century, men experi-ence the puzzling sensation of isolation and loneliness. In ourelectronic age of impersonal email and text messaging, mencrave personal relationships and associations. They crave lead-ership in a mentor-student relationship. In a world that vener-ates the rat-race of competition, men desire something else.They want a respite from competition. They want to associatewith men of good character in unity. Freemasonry offers all ofthese things. This is particularly true only if we are vigilant inguarding the West-Gate and take seriously our obligations toperform adequate investigations of the men entering the fra-ternity.

Our second National Treasure is our historical legacy. Infact, our fraternity's ancient roots allow members to study Bib-lical events, the Crusades, Medieval history, the Reformation,the Age of Enlightenment, Revolutionary History, to Contem-porary events; there is something for everyone. There is nodoubt that Freemasonry and American History (even world his-tory) are intertwined even if it is on a smaller less sensationalscale than treasure hoards and conspiracies. While Freema-sonry is not necessarily the cause of historical events, its ideasand members have both directly and indirectly influenced andparticipated in historical events. There are too many historicaltopics to cover here, but, I can recommend two books that dis-cuss Freemasonry's vital legacy toward early American His-tory: Freemasonry in American History by Allen E. Robertsand Revolutionary Brotherhood: Freemasonry and the Trans-formation of the American Social Order, 1730-1840 by Steven

continued from page 12New Orleans Valley-From Your Correspondent:

C. Bullock. Moreover, early Louisiana Freemasonry shares inthe Fraternity's historical legacy with such major events as theLouisiana Purchase, Influx of Refugees from the French WestIndies, the Battle of New Orleans, and Several Attempted Mexi-can, Cuban, and Latin American Liberation Movements (thereare too many topics to list). All of these events have a Masonicconnection through a member or members of the fraternity.Freemasonry offers its members the opportunity to learn moreabout history and our role in it.

Finally, Freemasonry, and especially the Scottish Rite de-grees, preserve and gather ideas of comparative religion, the-ology, ethics, and philosophy from various sources. It has beendescribed as a depository for the Ancient Western Mystery Tra-dition. Freemasonry further holds fast to the Judeo-Christiantradition by referring to passages from the Bible and fixing itslegend upon King Solomon’s Temple.

While Freemasonry requires only the belief in a SupremeBeing and neither endorses nor compels its members to holdany particular religious beliefs, the practice and study of Free-masonry, especially Scottish Rite Masonry, often draws onenearer to religion and fosters a deeper relationship with theGAOTU. Our greatest treasure, in my opinion, is the ScottishRite rituals and the ideas represented therein. My study of theScottish Rite degrees has brought me closer to my own per-sonal religious beliefs. The Scottish Rite has exposed me todifferent ideas and beliefs. A focused study of these degreeshas illuminated my mind and instilled upon me the most pro-found respect for the beliefs of others. The Scottish Rite de-grees preserve the eternal flame of reason and the freedom ofreligion.

Fiat Lux!Fraternally,

Marc Conrad, 32° KCCH

That government is best which governs the least, because itspeople discipline themselves.

Thomas Jefferson

Approximately 80% of our air pollution stems from hydro-carbons released by vegetation, so let’s not go overboard in set-ting and enforcing tough emission standards from man-madesources.

Ronald Reagan

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Fraternally,CB Griggs, 32° KCCH

Four Wordsby C. B. Griggs, 32° KCCH

Venerable Master-Valley of Monroe

A few days before I was installed as Venerable Master ofthe Monroe Valley, one of the Brethren for whom I have a greatrespect told me I should write an article for the Trestleboard.He also told me that most did not, but he did and thought Ishould. This is the beginning.

I thought of several topics with some degree of orginalityand one thought merged into another. Now my task is to as-similate these into a relationship and have a common theme. Iwas first reminded of a conversation between BenjaminFranklin and soon to be President George Washington. Thisdiscussion occurred as the new constitution was being ratifiedand a chair with a gilded sun on the back was used as a pointof reference. Franklin asked George Washington “Is that a set-ting sun or a rising sun?” Washington replied “That is up tous”. This chair, used by all presidents, is now in IndependenceHall. So it is with us, whether we have a rising sun or settingsun is up to us. Next, how do we assure that our sun is a risingsun?

Four words: It is up to us (me). I thought, how few words,yet most important. So much can be determined by those words.

The next four words that came to my mind were: SPESMEA IN DEOEST. Are they new to you? No, just overlooked?These words make up the motto of the 32nd Degree and are orshould be a part of the emblem. So as many times as you haveseen the emblem, you have seen the words. To many of us wenever endeavored to find out. The f irst time I presented thePatriotism Award at a local High School, the student called meand asked what they meant. Luckily, I was able to give a satis-factory answer.

Next, what could I say about those four words and relatedthem to my central topic? As I searched my memory, I thoughtof another four words that have been indelibly fixed in mymind. These were: I Did My Best. These words are commonwords we often hear from people who rate themselves on per-formance. To me, the most profound example goes back in timein which I read those words. These words were those of MsAnnie Armstrong when she was asked how she wanted to beremembered on her epitaph. To my Baptist Brethren, I do notneed to educate you about this Servant of God. Though shelived from 1850 until 1938, we can give her 85 years in ser-vice to God. She was with her mother in missionary meetingsat age three. To those that do not know her, untold millionscame to know God and Jesus Christ through her efforts. I amtold that her work is still carried on through offerings begin-ning with toddlers through the Sunday schools of Baptistchurches today. Simply stated, she wanted people today and inthe future to know. I Did My Best.

Whether it is coincidence, providence or just luck, I do notknow. During the week of December 15th, those words, I DidMy Best to raise him right came to me. These words were notfrom Ms Armstrong, but from the mother of one who went ona rampage in a shopping mall in Omaha, Nebraska and killedeight people outright and a ninth who died on the way to ahospital.

As she was being interviewed on national television, she gavethis statement. That might be true. Sme might have done herbest. She accepted the responsibility of raising him and gavethe loved ones permission to hate him. This being the case, shecould not understand. To her, her best should not have pro-duced this calamity. She said he had no faith and no hope. Hadhe had those two, she said, he would not have done those things.She further said he had been kicked out of her home for a yearand lived with the parents of a friend of his. She was at such aloss, that she gave permission to the victims’ loved ones toactually hate him. However, she diagnosed the problem beingcaused by his not having Faith and Hope.

Here we have the testimony of two people that said I DidMy Best but the results were far different. For one, the resultbrought a response, To God be the Glory. To the other, it wouldlikely be described as What a Tragedy. One brought peace andgoodwill to millions by introducing them to God and JesusChrist. The other brought sorrow to relatives and loved ones of9 people, not withstanding the trauma inflicted upon thousandsof others.

What made the difference? The mother explained it. Faithand Hope. We all have a sun on our horizon. My tenure asVenerable Master will last a specified twelve months and thencome to an end. Though I perceived it to be a rising sun, it willbe come a setting sun. As I evaluate myself by saying, I did mybest, I hope the response from others will be favorable. I wishto make that possible by continued acceptance of the wordsmentioned: SPES MEA IN DEOEST.

We each have another sun on our horizon. Regardless ofwhat we do it will be come a setting sun in time. Just as MsAnnie’s Missionary work resulted in people saying “To GodBe the Glory” and the other aforementioned brought the re-sponse “What a tragedy”, we will have responses to our life’swork. In order that we have responses such as given to MsAnnie’s work, I challenge you, if you have not, to incorporatethe motto of the 32nd Degree as your motto. If you have nottranslated it, do so and adopt it. As yet, I have not translatedthose four words for you, nor will I. I could do that at thispoint, but as a teacher, I caused many more to search for theanswer than I gave an answer.

My wish for each of our readers is to have a rising sun onyour horizon for as long as you wish. And in the end, yourevaluation, I Did My Best, bring the reponse To God be theGlory.

Editor’s Note: The motto is actually SPES MEA IN DEO EST. Forthe purpose of continuity and respect, I did not change Bro Grigg’suse.

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Ill. William J. Mollere, 33°Sovereign Grand Inspector General

Bill Mollere, S.G.I.G.

THE FINALWORD

FRIENDSHIPFriendship, Morality and Brotherly Love - How many times

have you heard this phrase and said it and never really listenedto the words? We base our f inal entrance into Mother Lodgehearing those words punctuated on the extended points of thecompasses. Many say that those three words are the true cor-nerstone of Freemasonry, the essential elements of our Craft.But Friendship is something that we all know about; right?We form relationships with people from our earliest years - atpre-school we see children bonding and forming friendships.Then as school years, church functions, even neighborhood dayspass, we formed friendships with classmates, church mates andneighborhood buddies. The boy down the street became our"best friend for life" when we built our secret hideout, or whenour schoolmate let us up in line or shared his lunch becauseour lunch wasn't very good, they became our best friend. Friend-ship.

We were always taught by our parents to do right by ourfamily and our friends. Be fair, be honest, deal squarely, neverfib or tell a lie especially to a family member or to a friend.And we expected the same in return from them. The basis forour understanding of Morality was thus formed. Our friend-ships grew and became more permanent - true friends stayedwith you for many years. Distance had no effect on true friend-ship. Periods of absence in time with little or no contact hadno effect on true friendship.

At some point in our lives, we made the decision to joinFreemasonry. Most probably it was because of a friend or sev-eral friends who belonged and mentioned their membership -you wanted to continue and to grow those friendships. If ourmembership was in a "friendly" lodge, we met and made newfriends - and then something happened - we became a Brother,and we had other Brothers who surrounded us. The Friend-ship grew into Brotherhood.

You cannot be a real and true Brother unless you are a realand true Friend. Freemasonry teaches us how to be Brothersby practicing the lessons of the Craft Degrees. The pure plea-sure of attending Mother Lodge and being among men whomyou absolutely trust, believe, rely upon, and consider as closeas any family member is the most incredible feeling in theworld - you enter that lodge room knowing that you are "home".You are among your Brothers, and have reached the height ofFriendship. Some say that it is almost spiritual in the right

lodge setting.As you read this article, we are all probably preparing to

attend or are attending our Grand Lodge in Bossier City. GrandLodge Session is the forum for Masonic Brotherhood to be prac-ticed at its highest level within our Craft - yet, is it? We oftensee men whom we have not seen in a year; shake hands, patbacks, exchange pleasant comments and go about our businessof voting on resolutions, voting on actions of our Grand Mas-ter, adopting a budget, and perhaps debating several issuesalong the way. All done as Brothers practicing the heights ofFriendship, Morality and Brotherly Love. But are you Friendswith those Brothers? A simple test has always been: what isthe Brother's wife's name, how many children does he have,how old are they, what are their stages in life, his profession,how long there, his hobbies, his church and level of activity,his family background - this isn't being "nosey", it is truly know-ing your Brother. What level of Friend is he? Do you everhave lunch or dinner with him, do you share interests, do youenjoy being with him outside of sitting next to him at Lodgemeetings? Is he your Friend? If he isn't, how can he truly beyour Brother? A Brother in name only is a terrible waste ofFriendship.

Scottish Rite Masonry gave me the meaning of Friendshipby association with men who were my mentors in my youth,through my DeMolay membership, through church, and inschool - I "re-met" them in Mother Lodge and especially inScottish Rite - on the level - and became their Brother - whatan incredible feeling to have men who were my Father's age,and some older, accepting me as a Friend and a Brother - mostof the time, it was hard to call them by their first name - BrotherLloyd, was still Mr. Pence, my Father's friend through work.Yet, Brother Lloyd accepted me as an equal through our Friend-ship working in degrees, working in the kitchen, performinglittle tasks in the building - Friendship grew into Brotherhood.There are so many others who have become an important partof my life because the Friendships formed grew into BrotherlyLove. That was the "gift" of Masonry to me.

As we begin a new Masonic year with new Grand LodgeOfficers, as we begin a new Scottish Rite year with newly in-stalled Officers in each Valley, as we complete another Certifi-cation Conference with freshly trained Valley Officers, let usremember to be Friends with each other, and allow that Friend-ship to grow into Brotherly Love - one for another.

Thank you for continuing your Masonic Friendships throughthe Brotherhood of Scottish Rite Freemasonry

Louisiana Scottish Rite FoundationLouisiana Scottish Rite Trestleboard

Post Office Box 64Shreveport, LA 71161

Tel: 318-221-9713

February - March 2008 Issue08-01


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° ScottishRite Childhood Learning Center205 University AvenueMonroe, LA 71203-3701Telephone: (318) 343-6388Southeastern Louisiana RegionalScottish Rite Childhood LearningCenterSoutheastern Louisiana UniversityScottish Rite Temple619 Carondelet StreetNew Orleans, LA 70130Telephone: (504) 522-3789Shreveport Scottish Rite ChildhoodLearning CenterScottish Rite Temple725 Cotton StreetShreveport, LA 71101Telephone: (318) 221-9713

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Lake Charles Scottish Rite ChildhoodLearning CenterUniversity of Louisiana-LafayetteLake Charles Masonic Temple717 Hodges StreetLake Charles, LA 70601Telephone: (337) 436-1676

Did You Know?A Valley Secretary’s Nightmare!

One of the most difficult task for a Val-ley Secretary is trying to get current ad-dresses for the members. Without currentaddresses,the postage cost to the Valley, theLouisiana Scottish Rite Foundation and theSupreme Council increases. If your addresshas changed in the last two years, please letyour Valley Secretary know. Increases inpostage, due to returned mail, will ulti-mately cause our dues to increase. Addresschanges can help and make a difference.

In addition, if your email address haschanged or you have never provided yourSecretary with an email address, please no-tify your local Valley.

Lloyd Gerald Pence, 33° 1923 - 2008

Death is no more than passing fromone room into another. But there’s a dif-ference for me, you know. Because in thatother room I shall be able to see.

Helen Keller

louisiana scottish rite trestleboard 2008.pdf · valley of new orleans: marc h. conrad, 32 ° kcch...

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