louisiana scottish rite trestleboard 2009.pdf · 2014-05-10 · arithmetic, geometry, music and...

APRIL - MAY 2009 ORIENT OF LOUISIANA Volume 11 Issue 2

1

Louisiana

Scottish Rite Trestleboard

Scottish Rite FULFILL-BUILD-PROVIDE

John L Belanger, 33°Valley of Baton Rouge

A Deck of Cardsby

In 2008, there was a Brother who came home one day afterHurricane Gustav and found it had taken most of his roofshingles off of his home. Then Hurricane Ike a week later

flooded his home. Water stayed in hishouse for almost two days. After the wa-ter had subsided, he walked through thehouse and found almost everything waslost or wet. When he came to his bedroom,he found a simple deck of cards. He no-ticed that it was the only thing in the roomthat was not wet. After examining the

cards, it brought to his mind some interesting thoughts: A - The ace reminded him that anyone who petitions a

Masonic Lodge must believe in God. Masonry has no particu-lar type of belief on a religious denomination; however, itstrongly holds fast that no atheist or irreligious man can everbe allowed to join a Masonic organization.

2 - The duce brought to mind the two patron saints of Ma-sonry "St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist" alsothat Freemasonry is considered under two denominations, Op-erative and Speculative - today it works as Speculative, andthe ancient brethren worked as Operative.

3 - The three reminded him of the three principle supportsin Masonry "Wisdom, Strength and Beauty", the three offi-cials of the lodge "Worshipful Master, Senior and Junior War-dens; and lastly, the three stages of life "Youth, Manhood andOld Age".

4 - The four brought to mind the four cardinal virtues ofMasonry "fortitude, prudence, temperance, and justice".

5 - The five reminded him of the five points of fellowship.The Bonnie Blue Flag had a five pointed starwhich represented the five points of fellow-ship. The same five pointed star was placedon the Texas State Flag. It also reminded himof the Masons who fought and died for TexasIndependence at the Alamo. These men diedto give General Sam Houston, Master Mason, time to gatherhis army to defeat Santa Anna. Some of the famous masonswho lost their lives at the Alamo were Jim Bowie, DavidCrockett, and Col. William Travis.

6 - The six reminded him that a Master Mason is given sixworking tools - "the twenty-four inch gauge and common gavel

of the Entered Apprentice" "the plum, square, and level of aFellowcraft", and "the trowel of a Master Mason."

7 -The seven reminded him of seven of thewinding steps in the Middle Chamber of KingSolomon's Temple. The steps represented the sevenliberal art and sciences: Grammar, Rhetoric, Logic,Arithmetic, Geometry, Music and Astronomy.

8 - The eight reminded him that in the Master Mason De-gree he learned a lecture that contained one class of emblemswhich are monitorial and consisted of eight points; which mostlodges leave out because it is long, or perhaps most people donot understand the deep significance:

8-1. The Pot of Incense is an emblem of a pure heart, whichis always an acceptable sacrifice to Deity.

8-2. The Bee Hive is an emblem of industry,and recommends the practice of that virtue toall created beings, from the highest seraph inthe heavens to the lowest reptile of the dust.

8-3. The Book of Constitutions guarded bythe Tyler's sword reminds all that they shouldever be watchful and guarded in their words andactions, especially before the enemies of Masonry.

8-4. The Sword Pointing to a Naked Heart demonstratesthat justice will sooner or later overtake all. And although allthoughts, words, and actions may be hidden from the eyes ofmen; yet that All-Seeing Eye, who the Sun, Moon and Starsobey, will someday reward all according to their actions.

8-5. The Anchor and Ark are emblems of a well groundedhope of a well-spent life.

8-6. The Forty-Seventh Propositionof Euclid was an invention of that an-cient friend and Brother, the greatPythagoras, who, in his travels through

Asia, Africa, and Europe, was initiated into several mystic or-ders which, many are led to believe, were the forerunners ofpresent-day Masonry.

8-7. The Hour Glass is an emblem of human life. Beholdhow swiftly the sands run, and how rapidly lives are drawingto a close. "Today, life puts forth the tender leaves of hope;tomorrow they blossoms, and bears the blushing honors thickupon it; the next day comes a frost which nips the shoot, andwhen man thinks all greatness is still hopeful, man falls likean autumn leaf, to enrich our Mother Earth".

8-8. The Scythe is an emblem of Time, whichcuts the brittle thread of life and launches maninto eternity. Behold what havoc the Scythe ofTime makes among the human race! If, by chance,man escapes the numerous evils incident to child-hood and youth, and with health and vigor, arrives at the years

continued on page 13

Louisiana Scottish Rite TrestleboardPublished bimonthly by the

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

EditorSteve Pence

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°, DGMPersonal Representative for Valley of Monroe

M: W: J. F. “Jeff” Webb, 33°and Grand Master of Masons in Louisiana


2

Calendar of Events

Supreme

Orient of LouisianaConference of the OrientMonroe April 25Shreveport November 13Honors DayShreveport November 14

ReunionsNew Orleans May 9Shreveport TBDLake Charles May 9Baton Rouge October 5-6Monroe May 2

Gerald R Ford

Check Your CalendarApril 4-7 Grand CommanderyHammond

Stuff

Edward Thorndike

Shortly after class, an economics stu-dent approaches his economics professorand says, “I don’t understand this stimu-lus bill. Can you explain it to me?”The professor replied, “I don’t have anytime to explain it at my office, but if youcome over to my house on Saturday andhelp me with my weekend project, I’ll beglad to explain it to you.” The studentagreed.

At the agreed-upon time, the studentshowed up at the professor’s house. Theprofessor stated that the weekend projectinvolved his backyard pool. They bothwent out back to the pool, and the pro-fessor handed the student a bucket.. Dem-onstrating with his own bucket, the pro-fessor said, “First, go over to the deepend, and fill your bucket with as muchwater as you can.” The student did as hewas instructed.

The professor then continued, “Fol-low me over to the shallow end, and thendump all the water from your bucket intoit.” The student was naturally confused,but did as he was told.

The professor then explained theywere going to do this many more times,and began walking back to the deep endof the pool.The confused student asked,“Excuse me, but why are we doing this?”The professor matter-of-factly stated thathe was trying to make the shallow endmuch deeper.

The student didn’t think the econom-ics professor was serious, but figured thathe would find out the real story soonenough. However, after the 6th trip be-tween the shallow end and the deep end,the student began to become worried thathis economics professor had gone mad.The student finally replied, “All we’redoing is wasting valuable time and efforton unproductive pursuits. Even worse,when this process is all over, everythingwill be at the same level it was before, soall you’ll really have accomplished is thedestruction of what could have been trulyproductive action!”

The professor put down his bucket andreplied with a smile, “Congratulations.You now understand the stimulus bill.”

October 4-6 Supreme CouncilWashington DC

Human beings are accustomed to thinkof intellect as the power of having andcontrolling ideas and of ability to learn assynonymous with ability to have ideas. Butlearning by having ideas is really one ofthe rare and isolated events in nature.

A free America... means just this: in-dividual freedom for all, rich or poor, orelse this system of government we call de-mocracy is only an expedient to enslaveman to the machine and make him like it.

Frank Lloyd Wright

A government big enough to give youeverything you want, is strong enoughto take everything you have

The Louisiana Scottish Rite Foundation

3


John L. Atkinson, 33° G.C.

In Memory of Dorothy BrownDr. and Mrs. Beryl Franklin

In Memory of Vada DarkMr. & Mrs. John L Atkinson

In Memory of Grover H. HanesLake Charles Scottish Rite Bodies

In Honor of Mr. “Peanut”Kenneth R. Fuller

In Honor of Lynn D PolkJerry and Janet Gould

Louisiana Scottish Rite Foundation

Scholarship Awards

Contributions

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.

James T. WiggansH. Edward Durham

By three methods we may learn wis-dom: First, by reflection, which is noblest;Second, by imitation, which is easiest; andthird by experience, which is the bitterest.

Confucius

Life affords no higher pleasure than thatof surmounting difficulties, passing fromone step of success to another, forming newwishes and seeing them gratified.

Samuel Johnson

The Louisiana Scottish Rite Founda-tion is proud to announce that the fol-lowing Scholarships have been awarded:

University of Louisiana-MonroeTomecia S JacksonMylena M Noble

Mary A Miller

LSU Baton RougeCori Lynn Giarruso

Katie E Clark

University of Louisiana-HammondMegan Farr

Teresa Thibodeaux

University of Louisiana-LafayetteStacy E PicouHope E Taylor

LSUHC-ShreveportBrittany DavidsonKimberly Judlin

Leadership ConferenceDuring our recent Conference in

Monroe, your respective Valley officersgathered together to share, instruct andlearn how to meet and exceed individualgoals. Our guest this year was Ill. Gre-gory R. Klemm, MSA 33°, ExecutiveSecretary Valley of Chicago. Althoughthis Valley is rich in all resources, it suc-ceeds with the attitude that no idea orprogram is too small or too large to notgive it consideration. Greg has alwaysprovided our Conference with insight onhow thinking outside the box accom-plishes great results.

Bill Molere and Greg Klemm

4


"Son, you need to learn that the Almighty gave you two ears,and one mouth, in that proportion, for a reason. You need to learnto do at least twice as much listening as you do talking."

Will Edward Bowles 1906-1978Spoken often between 1955 and 1962

I was Will Bowles' son. I also became his Brother five yearsbefore he died. Now, Dad was a man who was proud of almosteverything his three boys did no matter whether they did thosethings well or not. I don't think that I ever pleased him morethan I did that night when I was raised to the Sublime Degree.He taught me many things, f irst about being a boy, then aboutbeing a man. He taught me to be a son, and he taught me to bea father. I think he taught me a lot about being a grandfather,too, but that's so easy maybe I've done that on my own.

He tried to teach me the value of silence which I neverlearned as well as he or I would have liked. He also had a fewother zingers (irritating to an adolescent boy) on why I shouldkeep silent such as, "Nobody ever caught a fish that had itsmouth closed." Or "You want folks to think you're smart? Thinkof something stupid to say and then don't say it." The ol' man(I never, ever called him that where he could hear it, and itmakes me a little nervous just writing it here) did have a waywith the language.

One of the virtues taught us in the Seventeenth Degree issilence. This Degree is based on the writings of St. John in theBiblical Book of the Revelations. Six times one ofFreemasonry's two Holy Saints' John begins a sentence with,"He that hath an ear; let him hear."

When I first started my career in sales I was sent to a fiveday seminar on making good salespresentations. The first three dayswere spent learning to listen. Howwas I going to know what my bossesand my customers wanted from meunless I listened to them tell me?When I became a manager, listen-ing became doubly important be-cause I had to learn what my bosswanted, and I had to learn what mysales team needed. During my en-

tire career I never got in trouble or even had a problem be-cause I remained silent and listened. Talking, on the other hand,often got me in trouble and caused me problems .

Time listening to others, to ourselves, and for the Wordsand Spirit of the Creator is time well spent, for it affords us theopportunity to learn from others, ourselves, and the Creator.

Listening is an art and it requires effort. It is an equal part-ner in any verbal communication. It requires us to concentrateon what the speaker is saying. It also often requires us to con-centrate on what the speaker is not saying. It requires us tonot formulate our reply while the speaker is speaking. One ofour stated reasons when asked what we came to Freemasonry

Reflections on the 17th DegreeKnights of the East and West

byRicks Martin Bowles, 32° KCCH

Valley of Baton Rouge

to do was, "To learn." If we are not listening and learning inour Lodges, and from our Brothers, then we are missing one ofthe great gifts that Freemasonry has to offer.

We also come to Freemasonry to obtain the mental, emo-tional, and spiritual tools to control our passions and obses-

sions. This is something thatwe cannot do unless we arehonest with ourselves, and, tosome extent, understand our-selves. How can we be honestwith and understand ourselvesunless we listen for our ownthoughts? How can we dealwith those passions and obses-sions unless we realize themand understand them? Are welistening? Are we? This selfunderstanding, although elu-

sive, is another great gift of our order and it is the true way tounderstand and love our Brothers.

Thomas Merton said, "It is in deep solitude that I find thegentleness with which I can truly love my brothers.The moresolitary I am the more affection I have for them…. Solitudeand silence teach me to love my brothers for what they are, notfor what they say."

The greatest gift of Freemasonry also comes as a result oflistening. That gift is communion with the Great Architect ofthe Universe. I was once in a Lodge meeting and the Mastercalled upon the Chaplain to lead the Lodge in prayer. After afew moments of silence the Master said, "Brother Chaplain?"

The Chaplain replied in a whisper, "Shhh! I'm leading theLodge in Prayer." Prayer, for most of us, is a one way conver-sation directed to the Almighty…..the One who provided uswith the two ears and one mouth. Would our public and privateprayers not be much more powerful if they consisted of us lis-tening twice as long as beseeching?

In the last of his six admonitions that start with "He thathas an ear." St. John writes some lines that should mean agreat deal to those who followthe Masonic Quest. John says," He that has an ear, let himhear what the Spirit says to thechurches: 'He that overcomeswill I make a pillar in thetemple of my God, and he shallremain there forever. I willwrite upon him the name ofGod, and the name of the cityof God, the new Jerusalem,which comes down out ofheaven from God, and my ownnew name. …To him that over-comes will I grant to sit withme near my throne…'"

Much that is good comesfrom this silence… this listen-ing. I wish that I had listenedto Dad a little more often and alittle more closely.

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

5


Calendar of EventsStated Communications 7:30 PMAdvisory Conference 5:00 PM

Wednesday, April 1stMeeting Away William D White LodgeService of Remembrance & RenewalCelebration of Passover mealWednesday, May 6thMeeting Away Jerusalem Shrine TempleMother’s Day ProgramSpring Reunion May 9Wednesday, June 3rdHonors Night-all past presiding OfficersWednesday, July 1stPatriotic ProgramSunday, July 12thFamily Day-Hosted by KStAWednesday, August 5thBring a Friend Night

continued on page 12

In Memoriam

2009 Membership Fees are dueby December 31, 2008 Recent Valley News

Our 2009 Venerable Master

William Claude Addison, 32°Huston Freddie Boothe, Jr., 32°

Milton Ray Grimes, Jr., 32°Bobby Watson Hash, 32°Albert Leroy Hatley, 32°

Wilbur Clay Williams, 32°

2009 OfficersLodge of Perfection

Venerable Master: Anthony Radosti, 32° KCCHSenior Warden: Robert A Barrios, 32º KCCHJunior Warden: Frank N duTreil, Jr., 33º

Chapter Rose CroixWise Master: George J Lupo, 32°Senior Warden: Leon T Roberts, 32º KCCHJunior Warden: Rudolph W Mayer, 32°

Council of KadoshCommander: James J Loyacano, 32°1st Lt. Commander: Clayton A Wolfe, 32° KCCH2nd Lt. Commander: Ralph T Rabalais, 32º KCCH

ConsistoryMaster of Kadosh: Elmo J Pitre, III, 32° KCCHPrior: Sidney L Agnelly, 32º KCCHPreceptor: James W Vann, 32º

Treasurer All Bodies:John J Zollinger III, 33°

Note: Advisory Conference meets at 5:00 pm

before each meeting.

On February 4th the Valley held itsannual Valentine's Day Event honoringthe dear women in our lives who makeour fraternal participation in the ScottishRite practical and possible; without theirloving support none would be able to at-tend. A special meal was prepared forthe ladies and served by the men. Allladies present received a smallValentine's Day token in thanks for thesupport. Bro. Marc H. Conrad, 32°KCCHoffered a few remarks about the ancientesoteric origins of Valentine's Day andthe spirit of friendship and love that itharkens in all of us. After the meal, thebrethren opened the Lodge of Perfectionenjoying good fellowship and closing inproper form.

Bro. Anthony Radosti, 32º KCCH hasthe honor of serving as our Valley's Ven-erable Master for 2009. He is a Past

Master of EtoilePolaire Lodge No. 1,member of CervantesLodge No. 5 andGermania Lodge No.46. Outside of Freema-sonry, he works withthe MetropolitanCrime Commission asits chief investigator

supporting police and other prosecutingagencies by fighting crime and fraud inour community. Bro. Radosti can be seenin just about every facet of our Valley'sactivities and in our Masonic communityoffering a helping hand wherever it hasbeen needed. In his comments about ourValley's course under his direction for2009, Bro. Radosti offered several itemson his agenda that he hopes to implementduring his time in office. He stressed theimportance of reaching out to the Ma-sonic community and blue lodges by sup-porting a Scottish Rite outreach programto make area masons more aware of thespiritual benefits, fellowship, activities,and teachings offered by the Scottish Rite.He further hopes to recreate a ScottishRite's Ladies Auxiliary Club to offer thewomen in our lives a place to support ourgood works at the Valley. As part of hisplan to recognize the women who sup-port our efforts at the Scottish Rite, Bro.Radosti said that the brethren should takeadvantage of a long standing (but recentlyforgotten) tradition in the Scottish Rite

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

6

IN MEMORIAM

CALENDAR OF EVENTSTuesday, April 7thOpen Meeting 6:30 PMService of RemembranceNote: This will replace our regular 2ndTuesday Meeting for April 14th.

Tuesday, May 12thRegular Meeting 6:30 PM

Tuesday, June 9thOpen Meeting 6:30 PMSpecial Program presentationNote: Advisory Conference meets at 5:00 pm

before each meeting.


Give a Living Legacy! Donate tothe Shreveport Scottish Rite

Foundation

Service of Remembrance

2009 OfficersShreveport Lodge of Perfection:Venerable Master: Richard L Hollier, 33°Senior Warden: Larry B Ledbetter, Sr., 33ºJunior Warden: H Edward Durham, 33º

Shreveport Chapter Rose Croix:Wise Master: Stanford L Jensen, 33°Senior Warden: Gary L Gribble, 33ºJunior Warden: Roy B Tuck, Jr., 33°

Shreveport Council of Kadosh:Commander: Gary L Gribble., 33°1st Lt. Commander: Charles F Jackson, 33º2nd Lt. Commander: Larry B Ledbetter,Sr., 33°

Shreveport Consistory:Master of Kadosh: Richard L Hollier, 33°Prior: Larry B Ledbetter, Sr., 33ºPreceptor: B Keith Tindell, 32º KCCH

Treasurer All Bodies:Louis E McGee, 33°

Secretary All Bodies:John L Atkinson, 33° GC

KCCH Club

FraternallyJohn L Atkinson, 33° GC

Knights of St. Andrew

Jake Cullick, 32°Irven L “Butch” Corwine,32°

Knight Commander: E Allen Kelly, 32°Knight Warden: Carey C Allison, 32ºKnight Captain: Joseph E Moore, 32ºKnight Steward: John F Ayer, 32°

2009 Officers

We will be celebrating the Service ofRemembrance on Tuesday the 7th ofApril. We'll begin upstairs with a begin-ning Ceremony at 6:30 pm, then godownstairs for Dinner. Afterwards, ev-eryone will go back upstairs for the con-clusion of the Ceremony.

This meeting will replace our regu-larly scheduled meeting scheduled for the2nd Tuesday.

Knight D. Cliff Brown recently com-pleted the Master Craftsman program andwas presented his Certificate and lapelpin by Ill. Ballard L. Smith, 33°. Cliffalso spent many hours on his computerand put on disk, all the ritual degreesfrom 4th through the 32nd, includingsound, light and music cues.

If you are interested in being activelyinvolved in the Valley, and dedicated toservice and eager to participate, talk toany Knight and let them know. They'llget you an application.

The KCCH Club meets once a quar-ter, during the same month of the 1stDistrict Lodge meeting. Pat Dixon, 32°KCCH, President is looking for partici-pants in several programs of which oneis the Rose upon the Altar. The nextKCCH Club meeting is April 7th, in theClub room.

A tax deductible donation to the Foun-dation is always a beautiful way to honora departed friend or loved one. Send yourtax-deductible contributions to: Shreve-port Scottish Rite Foundation, Inc.(SSRFI) P. O. Box 64 Shreveport, LA71161.

Donors

Shreveport Foundation

Kenneth R FullerThe Crow Foundation

S. Bruce Easterly

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°


7

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Thursday, April 9thService of RemembranceWednesday, April 15thPresentation to honor Public OfficialsSpring Reunion May 9thWednesday, May 20thdeMolay Ceremony of Light & FlowersWednesday, June 17thMasonic HeroesWednesday, July 15thCarl Cludey Masonic PlayWednesday, August 19thAnnual Charter out of town tripFall Reunion September 12-13Wednesday, September 16thHonor Past Venerable Masters & 50Year membersWednesday, October 21stFeast of TishriAnnual Family Day October 24Wednesday, November 18thRecognition of Masonic CharitiesWednesday, December 4thPot Luck Covered LunchWednesday, December 16thElection of Officers


IN MEMORIAM

2009Membership fees were dueDecember 31, 2008

Personally Speaking

Robert B Coleman, 32°Grover G Hanes, 32°

Robert H “Red” Welch, 32°

2009 OfficersLake Charles Lodge of Perfection:Venerable Master:C Clifford Heath, Jr. 32° KCCHSenior Warden: Daryl G Johnson, 32º KCCHJunior Warden: Nolan R Gamble, 32º, KCCH

Lake Charles Chapter Rose Croix:Wise Master: Allen R Fruge’, 33°Senior Warden: Harry C Northrop III, 32º KCCHJunior Warden: Ricky A Venable, 32° KCCH

Lake Charles Council of Kadosh:Commander: Jimmy H Leger, 32° KCCH1st Lt. Commander: William B Powell, 32° KCCH2nd Lt. Commander: James M Kilpatrick, 33º

Lake Charles Consistory:Master of Kadosh: Donald R Verret, 32° KCCHPrior: Murray C “Bo” House, 33ºPrreceptor: Herrin J Ducote, 33º

Treasurer All Bodies:Clarence L Callihan, 32° KCCH

Secretary All Bodies:Charles G Callahan, 33°

Director of WorkGregory L Bruce, 32° KCCH

Back Door Lunch: Last Friday of everymonth.(Except November & December)

Come join us in our pursuit of more lightby regularly attending our Valley meetingsand remember the old adage, “The more youput into it, the more you get out of it.”

The Supreme Council now offers twonew additional tools for students enrolledin the Scottish Rite Master CraftsmanProgram. First, Bro. Brent Morris, 33ºhas created an useful index in pdf formatto the Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor andGuide. This index is a vital tool in re-searching the answers to the questions inthe Program. And, second, the SupremeCouncil has posted a new reading guidefor each quiz so students can begin read-ing and preparing for the next quiz whilewaiting for the new testing materials andthe return of their graded materials.Youcan see both of these valuable researchtools on the Supreme Council's website:http://www.scottishrite.org/.

Our Valley is looking for those selectbrothers who are willing to devote them-selves to becoming adepts in Scottish RiteHistory and who also have desire to learnmore about the esoteric mysteries of ourdegrees. You too can become part of theselect group of men in our Valley andOrient who will earn a diploma and cer-tificate in the Scottish Rite Master Crafts-man Program. If you would like to en-roll in the Master Craftsman course, youmay do so by asking our Valley's Secre-tary or going directly online to the Su-preme Council's website and ordering theprogram materials.

Master Craftsman Program

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° GSWTel: 225-275-0668 Fax: 225-273-0750

Email: [email protected]

8

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Dinner 6:30 Meeting 7:30Thursday, April 9thService of RemembranceSunday, April 12thEaster ServiceMonday, April 13thChapter of Rose Croix conducts meetingMonday, May 11thCouncil of Kadosh conducts meetingMonday, June 8th21st Degree presentationMonday, July 13th25th Degree presentationMonday, August 10th28th Degree presentationMonday, September 14thFeash of Tishri - KCCH Club & KStAconducts ceremonyFall Reunion October 4-5Monday, October 12thDanny Smith presents 8th DegreeMonday, November 9thM:W: Jeff Webb, GM visitMonday, December 14thElection of OfficersIll. William J Mollere, SGIG to be received


In Memoriam

2009 MEMBERSHIP FEES ARENOW DUE

Personal Representative Notes

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

Personal Representative

From the Secretary’s Desk

FraternallyBev Guilliot, 33°

Secretary

Glenn William Brown, 32°Virgil Dalton Devall. 32°Johnny Ray Wilbur, 32°

I made the "Help Your Brother Club"a part of the Valley and this I talk aboutevery where I go. Dues for Scottish Riteare $75.00 a year, which to many of youis a small amount and insignificant. Butyou think about this, in these diff iculteconomic times, to some, it is not a smallamount and could be funds that are

needed to purchase thatprescription or pay somenecessary bill. At the endof each year, by law, weare required to drop fromthe rolls any member whois delinquent in payingtheir previous years dues.Here is the part the 'HelpYour Brother Club" plays,

we take from the proceeds of the club,those fees that the valley is obligated topay for each member each year and themember is kept on the rolls. If, in thefuture that member is able to reimbursethe funds, that is great, but he is not re-quired to do so and he remains a "Scot-tish Rite Mason". If you want to be a partof this club, send in a contribution to theoff ice and mark it "Help Your BrotherClub" and I am sure you will feel goodabout it. "Am I my Brothers keeper", Ibelieve my obligations warrant me to beso.

Our Venerable Master has asked eachof the Officers in the Lodge of Perfectionto call five Brothers of the Rite and askhow they are doing, what we can do forthem and see if they are interested in at-tending a Reunion or meeting. I haveenjoyed making these calls and for themost part have been richly rewarded bycomments that those members appreci-ate this newsletter and having someonecall. Many have said that will try to at-tend the Spring Reunion. I hope they willand I hope you will. And while amongthe Brethren, I hope you will you will finda renewed spirit.

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

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Thursday, April 2ndDinner with Ladies 6:00 PMProgram 7:00 PMThursday, April 9thService of Remembrance 6:30 PM

SPRING REUNIONFriday, May 1st 5:00 PMSaturday, May 2nd 7:00 AMThursday, May 7thDinner with Ladies 6:00 PMProgram 7:00 PMDr. James Eppinette - SpeakerThursday, June 4thDinner with Ladies 6:00 PMProgram 7:00 PMJoe Ratcliff, LMRT LPC - Speaker


2009 Membership fees are due byDecember 31, 2008

Master Mason of The Year

IN MEMORIAM

Marion B Bagwell, 32°George James Burroughs, 32°

Danny Lane Doster, 32°Billy Ray Johnson, 32°

Andrew Thomas Robertson, Jr., 32°Charles Wesley Towers, 32°

Spring Reunion Schedule

2009 OfficersMonroe Lodge of Perfection

Venerable Master: Gregory L Wrenn, 32° KCCHSenior Warden: Joseph H Baker, 33ºJunior Warden: Ralph H Owens, 33º

Monroe Chapter Rose CroixWise Master: Michael A Watts, 32°Senior Warden: Randall S Hollis, 32º KCCHJunior Warden: Clifton Hall, Jr., 32°

Monroe Council of KadoshCommander: Earl D Killingsworth, 32° KCCH1st Lt. Commander: Elzy L Roberson, 32° KCCH2nd Lt. Commander: Louis A Franks, 32º

Monroe ConsistoryMaster of Kadosh: H Levern Defee, 32°Prior: Guy S Williams, 32º KCCHPreceptor: Jimmie Dale Yates, 32º KCCH

Treasurer All Bodies:Carl T Fatheree, 33°

Secretary All Bodies:Robert C Joyner, 33°

Gumbo Fund Raiser

The Advisory Conference meets on thethird Monday at 6 pm.

For a number of years, the MonroeScottish Rite Bodies have selected anoutstanding Mason from Northeast Loui-siana as "The Master Mason of the Year".This Brother is selected from the North-east portion of Louisiana that comprisesthe 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 7th Masonic Dis-tricts of Louisiana. The Master Masonselected from one of these Districts andthe District chosen is rotated each yearand a rotation schedule has been devisedto ensure that each District will have anoutstanding Brother chosen on this rota-tion schedule. At a special meeting onFebruary 28th, M:W: J. F. “Jeff ” Webb,Grand Master of the Grand Lodge ofLouisiana, accompanied by several mem-bers of his Official Family attended themeeting and honored us with his atten-dance. Following a delicious meal ofroast pork loin with all the trimmings(prepared by the culinary experts of ourKitchen Crew), the Grand Master pre-sented the chosen Brother a plaque inrecognition of his selection.

This year, the Brother selected is amember of Dally Lodge #265 F&AM inChatham in Jackson Parish (3rd MasonicDistrict). Brother Bruce D Osbon was se-lected as the Master Mason of the yearof the Monroe Scottish Rite Bodies. Sincethis was an open meeting, the wives en-joyed a meeting which their spouses (anda meal they didn't have to prepare) andtheir families. A very large and appre-ciative crowd was in attendance and agreat time was had by all.

Ill. William J Mollere, 33° SGIG, Brother BruceOsbon and Ill. & M:W: Jeff Webb, 33° GM

This Reunion, the Valley is trying anew schedule where we will begin onFriday, May1st at 5:00 P.M. with Regis-tration followed by the Greeting andOpening Prayer. Then the conferral of the4th, 5th, 13th, and 14th degrees. On Sat-urday Morning May 2nd the Reunioncontinues with breakfast at 7:00 A.M.followed by the conferral of the remain-ing degrees. Everything should be con-cluded, including the closing remarks by

5:00 P.M. A guest degree team from theShreveport Bodies will present one of thelater degrees to be conferred.

I am sure that we all remember thespecial ceremony we celebrated for manyyears called Maundy Thursday. It was al-ways held on the Thursday evening be-fore Easter at the Scottish Rite Templeand at that meeting you witnessed theceremony of Extinguishing the Lights.This was always a very solemn ritual re-lated to the death of "He who came to setTruth in the Place of Error and LovingKindness in the Place of Hatred and Per-

continued page 10

10

Scottish Rite FULFILL-BUILD-PROVIDEcontinued from page 9Monroe Valley News-Remembrance & Renewal:

continued from previous columnDeck of Cards

secution, but Those whom He Loved, Knew Him not, and puthim to Death". This was a time when we called the roll of thedeceased Brethren whom we had lost during the past year andwe were reminded of the Fellowship and Brotherly Love wehad shared over the years.

This portion of the Program was followed by a meal, and inrecent years, we reassembled in the Lodge room and observedthe Ceremony of The Relighting of the lights which had origi-nally been held on Easter in commemoration of the Resurrec-tion of He, whom we have paid tribute to on the precedingThursday.

Now, we do both Ceremonies on the Thursday before Eas-ter and refer to it as, "The Ceremony of Remembrance andRenewal". The Remembrance portion is a solemn occasion andthen, after the break for the meal, we again assemble for the"Renewal" portion. This is a time when we, as Master Masons,yes and as Scottish Rite Masons, can mentally renew the vowswe have taken at the Sacred Altar. If you have a copy of thebook you received when you became a Master of the Royal Se-cret, "A Bridge to Light", please take a short time to reviewthe lessons taught in the Scottish Rite Degrees and renew yourobligations there assumed. This is what "Renewal" is all about!This is basically a self-reobligation which will assist each ofus to realize that we need reminders of the Truths and Prom-ises we have made in our Masonic journey and should cause usto endeavor to live more closely to those promises and obliga-tions we have assumed.

Fraternally submittedDr. Beryl C. Franklin, PhD 33°

of manhood; yet, with all, man must soon be cut down by theall devouring Scythe of Time, and be gathered into that undis-covered country where the All-Father has gone before man.

9 - The nine reminded him of the important number whichall York Rite Masons have come to mind.There must have nine Companions present toopen any Chapter, Council, or Commanderyand the number is 3 times 3.

10- Ten reminded him of Moses. York RiteMasonry starts off with Moses at the burningbush; and he received the Ten Commandments from God; thenplaced the Book of the Law inside the Ark of the Covenant.

J - The Jack reminded him of Jacques DeMolay, the lastGrand Master of the Knights Templar.

Q- The Queen reminded him of the ladies who belong tothe appendant bodies: Eastern Star, Amaranth, Daughters ofthe Nile, and the White Shrine.

K - The King reminded him of King Solomon who all Ma-sonry revere. It also reminded him that the Master of the Lodgeis similar to King Solomon because the Master rules and gov-erns a lodge with equal or similar authority.

Hearts - The heart reminded him that love begins in theheart and that a loving person gives. Therefore, it remindedhim of the lessons taught to all Entered Apprentices Masons -

He then remembered an old song from his childhood whichsounded like this: If you count the number of spots on the cardsthey have 365 representing the days in a year and 52 cards ina deck which represents the 52 weeks in a year. The twelveface cards represents the twelve months in a year. The foursuits represented the four seasons in a year "winter, spring,summer and fall". Now this simple deck of cards made up hiscalendar, almanac and a reminder of his Masonic Fraternity.

Well, even in this lonely house where everything was de-stroyed, this simple deck of cards brought a smile on this sadday in his life. I know this to be true story, because I was thatMaster Mason

continued from front pageDeck of Cards:

"Charity". Clubs - The club reminded him of the lion's paw - the strong

grip of Brotherhood. Diamonds - When he saw the diamond, he was reminded

of Operative Masons using shovels, spades and pick to clearthe ground for the second Temple. Hecould imagine them discovering a smallbut simple diamond in the ground, dirtyand unpolished. However, with the skill-ful hands of a craftsman using a chiseland mallet, they could shape it, makingthe diamond sparkle and shine withmagnificent beauty. All Entered Appren-tice Masons are diamonds in the rough- all must be shaped and polishedthrough lessons taught by mentors and coaches. As he progressin his schooling, a new Mason finally reaches the sublime de-

gree of a Master Mason - which is the truesparkling diamond in the Masonic Frater-nity. A diamond always shows brilliance,so it can also remind of the All-Seeing Eye.

Spades - The spade reminded him thatman may live a long life, but all must die

and meet his Maker. God hopes that everyone will live a well-spent life.

There are 13 cards in each suit which reminded him of theday Jacques DeMolay was called to France, which he thoughtwas for a high level conference concerning a possible union ofTemplar's with their other knightly Orders - Friday, October13, 1307, at midnight, Jacques DeMolay was captured andplaced in the strongest dungeon in France. He was torturedand held for seven years. On March 18, 1314 he was burned atthe stake. This is the reason today, people think that Friday the13th is a day of bad luck.

S&F,John L. Belanger, 33°

11


CENTER NEWSAdmiral E. A. Barham, 33°

Scottish Rite Childhood Learning CenterSoutheastern Louisiana Regional Scottish RiteChildhood Learning Center

Baton Rouge Scottish RiteChildhood Learning Center

Southwestern Louisiana Regional Scottish RiteChildhood Learning Center

Joe A Stroud, 33°Center Adminsitrator

Sessions at the Admiral E.A. Barham, 33°, Scottish RiteChildhood Learning Center in Monroe are in full swing forthe Spring 09 semester. Graduate students, Ashley Miller,Mylena Noble, and Tomecia Jackson are providing speech andlanguage therapy to 10 students currently, with 2 assessmentsbeing completed, to bring the count up to 12 students who willreceive services. With the help of Tammy Soileau, who is su-pervising the clinicians this semester, the children are attend-ing sessions at the clinic on Monday and Wednesday afternoons.Not only are the children benefitting from the therapy, thegraduate students are also benefitting by receipt of the schol-arship, but, continued training in the area of speech and lan-guage disorders. "We appreciate the men of Scottish Rite whosupport the speech and hearing clinic. They take such an in-terest in both the children and students who provide the ser-vices", says Donna Thomas, director of the clinic. Services atthe center are open to children who have speech, language,and learning difficulties.

Dr. Beryl Franklin stops to pose for a picture with graduate students whoreceived Scottish Rite Speech and Hearing Scholarships for the Spring 09semester. From the left, Ashley Miller, Dr. Franklin, Mylena Noble, TomeciaJackson, and supervisor Tammy Soileau.

We started the Spring 2009 semester on January 21st with12 very active young children. Each on was ready to get in theclass room and start working the computer, playing with thegames and following the instructions of their Instructor. Weare very pleased with the progress each is making.

Ms. Molly Dart and Ms. Kate Mullis are the students fromLSU for this semester. Both are very pleased to be with us andwe find them to be well qualified to be working with our chil-dren.

Donna Thomas, CCC-SLP University of Louisiana at Monroe’s Clinic Di-rector and Assistant Professor in the Department of Speech-Language Pa-thology introduces two of our children during the Orient’s Leadership Con-ference.

Shreveport Scottish RiteChildhood Learning Center

12

Scottish Rite FULFILL-BUILD-PROVIDEcontinued from previous columnNew Orleans Valley News:

continued next column

continued from page 5New Orleans Valley News-2008 Venerable Master

Esoteric & PhilosophicalLecture Committee

of honoring the women in our lives with a traveling certificateissued by the Supreme Council for the wives, sisters, and daugh-ters of Scottish Rite brothers. We all wish Venerable MasterRadosti well for 2009 and great success with his upcomingprograms. Thank you for your leadership and dedication tothe Scottish Rite.

Knightly NewsOn January 24th, the Knights of St. Andrew Chapter held

their Second Annual Robert Burns Supper honoring the im-mortal "Bard" of Scotland, for his Two-hundred and Fiftiethbirthday anniversary. Bro. Marc Conrad, 32º, KSA KCCH(Charter Member, Past Venerable Master of the Chapter andrecipient of its Knight Chevalier award) acted as Host andMaster of Ceremonies, arranging the poetry readings and de-livering the Traditional "Address to the Immortal Robert Burns"which was expertly orated by Bro. Ralph Rabalais, 32º KSA,KCCH. Assisting Bro. Conrad with the ceremonies and dressedin Scottish regalia was Bro. Joe Quentin Buras 32º KSA, theChapter's Senior Warden. [Insert Figure 2] Bro. Joe Pacaccio,32º KSA acted as Chef and "Laird of the Supper." Bro. Pacaccio

is the owner of Carmine's Restaurantwhere the event has been held for the pasttwo years in Metairie, Louisiana. Alongwith a gourmet meal that included his fa-mous and celebrated seafood stuffed arti-chokes, Bro. Pacaccio expertly preparedan authentic Haggis that was the featuredguest of the event. Bro. Pacaccio led theparade around the table honoring theHaggis to a

multitude of bagpipes playing thetune "Scotland the Brave." Bro. LeeRoberts 32º, KSA KCCH (CharterMember) and Bro. Ken Branscum,32º KSA served as the meal's stew-ards and attended to the needs of ourguests. During the event, Bro. JoeLoyacano 32º KSA, the Chapter's Venerable Master, elevatedour newest squires to Knights of St. Andrew obligating themin the traditional fashion. The Venerable Master of the Lodgeof Perfection for the Valley of New Orleans, Bro. AnthonyRadosti, 32º, KSA KCCH and last year's Venerable Master, Bro.Ion Lazar, 32º, KSA KCCH (Charter Member, Past VenerableMaster of the Chapter and recipient of its Knight Chevalier

award).After the traditionalreadings, spirited toasts, anda concert of folk music fromScotland, the event concludedwith a musical rendition andreading of "Auld Lang Syne"whereupon all departed inpeace and in perfect fellow-ship awaiting next year's Sup-

per. Bro. Jay Owensby provided the photos for the event. Muchthanks to all brothers who attended the event, especially to our

Secretary, James Vann, 32º KSA, who helped organize and planthe event but who couldn't attend due to military commitments.If you would like to become a Knight of St. Andrew, then pleasecontact its Venerable Master Joe Loyocano, 32º KSA or its Sec-retary James Vann, 32º KSA for more information.

Over the last few months, early Louisiana Masonic Historyand New Orleans Scottish Rite History fans received two new es-sential resources documenting our proud and diverse past. Thesetwo works were published by a member of our Valley, Bro. MichaelPoll, 32º through his company, Cornerstone Book Publishers at :http://www.cornerstonepublishers.com. Bro. Poll is a well-knownmember of the Scottish Rite Research Society and has been pub-lished several times in its journal, the Heredom. He is a memberof Etoile Polaire Lodge No. 1 and an honor-ary Past Master and member of GermaniaLodge No. 46, F&AM. He is also a ResearchFellow in two prominent Masonic researchsocieties: The Masonic Society and thePhilalethes Society. In his first recent offer-ing on Louisiana and Scottish Rite Masonichistory, Bro. Poll has created a new editionof James B. Scot’s “Outline of the Rise andProgress of Freemasonry in Louisiana”(1873) with a Forward written by the Frenchscholar Bro. Alain Bernheim, 33º and an Afterward written byBro. Poll. Scot’s work is considered to be the best history regard-ing early Louisiana Freemasonry that is currently available (thoughthere are errors since new information unavailable to Scot has sincebeen discovered). Notably, Scot was a member of the LouisianaGrand Consistory (this Valley), a 33º degree mason, and a formerGrand Commander-in-Chief of the Louisiana Grand Consistory.Combined with the Forward by Bro. Bernheim placing it in con-text with known Scottish Rite history and recent discoveries thatpost-dated Scot and the new Afterward by Bro. Poll, Scot’s newlypublished history is made relevant and important again to contem-porary Masonic researchers in the 21st Century. Finally, in thesecond resource now available, Bro. Poll offers us an extraordi-nary two-volume version of The Bonseigneur Rituals. These ritu-als are the earliest known Masonic rituals to have been practicedin Louisiana and are believed to have been practiced in Louisianaas early as 1752. These rare rituals were discovered at TulaneUniversity’s Amistad Research Center in the “George Longe Col-

continued page 13

Michael Poll

13


S&F,Marc H. Conrad, 32º KCCH

Director of Education

The Scottish Rite-Evolution or Devolution?The Choice is Yours


FraternallyLloyd Hebert, 33°

lection” which contains items from the archives of the infamousLouisiana Supreme Council. In the recently published BonseigneurRituals, Bro. Poll provides a well-written Forward to the workexplaining the significance and context of these rituals to earlyLouisiana and Scottish Rite History. This important publicationplaces the original old French hand-written images side-by-sidewith a modern printed English translation accompanied by illus-trations and footnotes explaining portions of the ritual and textwhere needed. No serious Louisiana or Scottish Rite Scholar shouldbe without copies of both of these texts—they provide vital infor-mation about our rich history and they also compel us to debateunsettled aspects of our fascinating history and Scottish Rite legacy.From

continued from page 12New Orleans Valley News-Esoteric & Philosophical Committee:

Our earliest ancestors crawled from dark caves to grasp andpreserve sparks of fire scattered by bolts of lightening striking theground. The ancient Greeks even told tales of Prometheus stealingfire from the gods to advance mankind. Regardless of how it hap-pened, our early ancestors took these sparks and built large firesupon which they created agriculture and industry. These collec-tive sparks created civilization and we evolved. Yet, some devolvedand became extinct choosing not to fuel the fire. In a sense and inthe same way as civilization progressed from sparks to fires, theScottish Rite degrees and traditions have offered each of us a sparkupon which to build a great internal fire and evolve. However,some choose to starve this internal spark with inaction until dark-ness comes again and extinguishes their flame—they choose todevolve. Devolution is encouraged by envy, greed, vice, prejudice,false undeserved titles, injustice, bigotry, and general dishonor.However, the moral lessons in the Scottish Rite degrees teach us toavoid just about everyone of these vices.

On the other hand, growth and Evolution in the Scottish Ritetakes work, effort, dedication, spiritual reflection, and intellectualstudy. We often hear the old adage that “Freemasonry takes goodmen and makes them better.” But, this statement is false. Freema-sonry does not change men because only a man can choose to changehimself through individual effort. Our quest to become better menas Freemasons and whether we devolve or evolve through the Scot-tish Rite’s teachings does not depend upon the conduct of our broth-ers or even their progress in that task. We receive brotherly loveand help from our brethren in our travels but our esoteric tradi-tions are not products or services that come with warranties, guar-antees, timelines, or terms of service. We should not and nor canwe blame our brothers if we fail to advance or make progress inour Masonic travels. We should expect our brothers to lend us ahelping hand in the process if we should stumble but the act ofstumbling implies action on our part. Freemasonry and the Scot-tish Rite are vehicles that offer each of us the opportunity to dis-cover what signposts have been left for us by the GAOTU on our

From Your Correspondent

quest for spiritual progress—we are the drivers—we choose thepaths upon which we travel—each of us hold the helm dictatingthe course of our individual progress. And, unfortunately, not ev-ery choice leads to a desired destination.

None of our degrees or rituals promises an initiate any imme-diate reward or benefit. Sometimes we forget this fact. Instead, thesum of the Scottish Rite’s teachings encourage us to engage inindividual study of all intellectual and philosophical topics in fullequilibrium and balance using the Light of Reason. We, of course,are initiated in the degrees but the root of the word “initiation”comes from the Latin word “initium” which is translated as an“entrance” or a “beginning.” The Latin root of the word “initiate”is a crucial point because eventually every thinking Scottish Ritebrother will ask himself the questions: “What have I gained afterexperiencing the Scottish Rite Traditions?” and “Why haven’t Iprogressed or learned anything?” One might even add the ques-tion: “Why hasn’t the Scottish Rite given me the Answers?” Yet,the last question is the wrong approach. When you experience theScottish Rite rituals, you are exposed to a vast collection of wis-dom, esoteric traditions, philosophies, religious thoughts, and ideasfrom mankind’s greatest thinkers. We are not given any answersbut we are given an opportunity to find them because the ScottishRite degrees allow you stand in a doorway or entrance and offersyou a “beginning” as the meaning of the Latin root “initium” inthe word “initiate” implies. The Scottish Rite degrees offer eachof us a doorway and a spark. You must create the fire. We mustchoose our own paths and progress as far as one is willing to workwith the gifts given to us by the GAOTU—Enlightened-and-Evolved or Dark-and-Devolved, it is up to you.

continued fromprevious columnNew Orleans Valley -From Your Correspondent

Fiat Lux!Marc H. Conrad, 32º KCCH

Spring ReunionOur Spring Reunion soon approaches and is scheduled for

Saturday, May 9th. This is the perfect opportunity for ScottishRite brothers to introduce a Lodge brother or another Masonicfriend to the teachings and beauty of the Scottish Rite degreesand traditions. Petitions are available at my office. There isstill time to reserve a spot in the upcoming Spring ReunionClass. Moreover, if you are already a Scottish Rite brother andyou haven't seen a Scottish Rite Reunion since you first wereintroduced to its mysteries, then why don't you make plans toattend the upcoming reunion to reacquaint yourself with theesoteric teachings and moral lessons of the Scottish Rite andthe true beauty of its degrees? Every time you witness the Scot-tish Rite degrees and rituals, you have an opportunity to un-ravel an aspect in a degree or ritual that you might have over-looked the last time.

14


THE TERMS “SCOTTISH RITE” AND

“ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE”BY

MICHAEL R POLL, 32°VALLEY OF NEW ORLEANS

When we speak of the "Scottish Rite" most everyone in U.S.Masonry realizes that we are speaking ofthe 33 degree "Ancient and AcceptedScottish Rite." But, this was not alwaysthe case. The term "Scottish Rite" is re-ally an umbrella term which can be ap-plied to other older, no longer existingsystems. The so-called "Rite of Perfec-tion" (more properly, "Order of the RoyalSecret") can also be considered "ScottishRite." Its system and rituals were, how-ever, quite different than what we might recognized in our"Scottish Rite."

Not realizing that the term "Scottish Rite" can apply to morethan our present 33 degree system can sometimes cause confu-sion. I was reading a Masonic publication not long ago wherethey were talking about the "Scottish Rite" coming from Franceto America via the West Indies in the early to mid 1700's. Tech-nically, that's correct but without further explanation that kindof statement can cause confusion. The "Scottish Rite" that wasbeing explained in that context is the old "Rite of Perfection,"not our 33 degree system. Our 33 degree system was created inCharleston, SC in 1801. Any suggestion that it existed any-where earlier is a bit of wholly unproven speculation. Whenwe dump the different "Scottish Rite" systems into a pot andmix them together we do not get gumbo, we get a mess. Theconfusion and mixing together of these older and new systemsis one of the reasons why our understanding of the early his-tory of the 33 degree system is sometimes difficult and veryconfusing.

The so-called "Rite of Perfection"actually existed in the U.S. (particu-larly Louisiana) until sometime in theearly 1800's. The f ive craft lodges thatcreated the Grand Lodge of Louisianamight well have worked in the craftrituals of this older, French language"Scottish Rite" system as well as theearly Grand Lodge itself. But thisolder system was not well organizedand its rituals not as appealing as the

new 33 degree system. Soon, the "Rite of Perfection" gave wayto the new system and ceased to exist as a working rite.

When you hear or read the term "Scottish Rite" and thecontext or subject is anything having to do with the 19th cen-tury or earlier, don't be too quick to assume that our 33 degreesystem is the one being discussed. Just like there is usuallymore than one grocery store in town, there was once more thanone "Scottish Rite." The goal must be to always understandingexactly who and what we are discussing.

1. The roundest knight at King Arthur’s round table was SirCumference. He acquired his size from too much pi.2. I thought I saw an eye doctor on an Alaskan island, but itturned out to be an optical Aleutian.3. She was only a whiskey maker, but he loved her still.4. A rubber band pistol was confiscated from algebra class be-cause it was a weapon of math disruption.5. The butcher backed into the meat grinder and got a little be-hind in his work.6. No matter how much you push the envelope, it’ll still be sta-tionery.7. A dog gave birth to puppies near the road and was cited forlittering.8. A grenade thrown into a kitchen in France would result inLinoleum Blownapart.9. Two silk worms had a race. They ended up in a tie.10. Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.11. A hole has been found in the nudist camp wall. The policeare looking into it.12. Atheism is a non-prophet organization.13. Two hats were hanging on a hat rack in the hallway. One hatsaid to the other, “You stay here; I’ll go on a head.”14. I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger. Then it hitme.15. A sign on the lawn at a drug rehab center said: ‘Keep off theGrass.’16. A small boy swallowed some coins and was taken to a hospi-tal. When his grandmother telephoned to ask how he was, a nursesaid, ‘No change yet.’17. A chicken crossing the road is poultry in motion.19. The short fortune-teller who escaped from prison was a smallmedium at large.20. The man who survived mustard gas and pepper spray is nowa seasoned veteran.21. A backward poet writes inverse.22. In democracy it’s your vote that counts. In feudalism it’s yourcount that votes.23. When cannibals ate a missionary, they got a taste of religion.24. Don’t join dangerous cults: Practice safe sects!

CREATIVE PUNS FOR THE ENLIGHTENED

15


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

THE FINALWORD

“Regaining Our Bearing”

Bill Mollere, 33° S.G.I.G.


It is Reunion time (Degree conferral & Fellowship gather-ing) around our Orient (State), and all of our Valleys (ScottishRite Bodies) are hard at work conferring Degrees (lessons oflife presented Masonically in a dramatic setting), and creatingnew Masters of the Royal Secret (32 Scottish Rite Masons) -the explanatory and parenthetical comments placed for thoseof you who may not have been back to a Reunion since yourjoined…. As I drive up to the Scottish Rite building and enter,there are those men who are studying their parts wanderingaround the building and getting ready to go on stage and dothe best possible by presenting those words in the ritual withmeaning, and in the correct order; there are the dedicated menin the kitchen who are preparing the meal that all will eat;there a those few who clean up the dining room after each mealand sweep the floor, and bless their hearts - those men whokeep the coffee coming; there are the men in the robe roomhanging up the robes just used and placing the robes neededfor the next Degree on the hanging bar; there are the men justoff-stage waiting to change the scenery and props for the nextSection or the next Degree; then the men working on the lightsand sound trying to make everything perfect; there are thosemen in the Office tending to the administrative duties and put-ting together those packets that each new member will carryhome at the end of the day; there are others performing theirassigned task and enjoying being together; there are the Greet-ers and those hanging around the register table; there are thosewho come out to get away for the day and enjoy just beingthere, not doing anything in particular, but attending and watch-ing some of the Degrees and visiting and enjoying the mealsand snacks - all together as Brothers and having a great timebeing together - it is Reunion time.

Just as we attend a Family Reunion - to be together andrenew family ties, this time in our Scottish Rite year is a com-ing together of Friends and Brothers who have been absentfrom one another for months, perhaps years, and renew "ourfamily" ties. My best memories of a Reunion were to sit in theLobby of our Scottish Rite Building and drink a cold DelawarePunch in a little glass bottle and eat a handful of Jack's Butter

Cookies and visit with friends, watch whatever was on that oldTV hanging on the wall and listen to so many great storiesfrom men who worked hard all of their lives and told of storieswhen they fought in France, Germany or one of the PacificIslands - "The Greatest Generation" - great men, giants, myolder Masonic Brothers! Most of those Brothers are gone, buttheir memory is still inside of me every time that I enter thatLobby during a Reunion - walk over and show my Dues Cardand sign the register, and then head for the coffee. The TV isupdated and on some sports program. Greeting each Brothersitting around and visiting and then heading for my favoritespot - the kitchen. That is where I started forty somethingyears ago - I was the biscuit maker on the two Saturdays twicea year (when we had four-day Reunions), and then I made thecole slaw for lunch - those were my jobs - and for breakfasteveryone ate the best, fluffiest biscuits and at lunch enjoyedthe best slaw ever made - those were my jobs at every Reunion.I still enjoy going into that kitchen and watching those Broth-ers work together and talk and laugh and make great meals,and I remember.

Then it is time to go renew and enter that auditorium andsit quietly and try to learn more - by being in that big room andobserving, listening, challenging myself - can I try to be betterthan myself, can I live the life that I promised so many yearsbefore and so many times since, can I make a difference in thiscrazy world? Will the words in those Degrees finally sink intome and change me into the person that I am suppose to be? Inthat room, removed from the outside - almost sacred - will Ifinally hear and learn the lessons, will they become alive, willI leave better than when I entered? I hope so - it is Reuniontime.

This time, will you make an effort to go back and renew,remember and be a part of your Reunion in your Scottish RiteValley? Will it happen this time? I hope so - it is Reuniontime - thank you for being a Reunion attending Scottish RiteMason.

Louisiana Scottish Rite FoundationLouisiana Scottish Rite Trestleboard

Post Office Box 64Shreveport, LA 71161

Tel: 318-221-9713

April - May 2009 Issue09-02


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

16

Southwestern LouisianaRegionalScottish Rite Childhood LearningCenterUniversity of Louisiana-LafayetteLake Charles Masonic Temple717 Hodges StreetLake Charles, LA 70601

Did You Know? It is the mission of the Scottish RiteofFreemasonry, SJ, to improve its membersand enhance the communities in whichthey live by teaching and emulating theprinciples of Brotherly Love, Tolerance,Charity, and Truth while actively embrac-ing high social, moral, and spiritual val-ues including fellowship, compassion,and dedication to God, family and coun-try.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES← Fulfill the promise of additional Ma-sonic knowledge through education andtraining.← Build a Positive Public Image of Free-masonry and the Scottish Rite.← Support and expand our philanthropicactivities.← Provide a framework for effective lead-ership to ensure the stability and long-term success of the Fraternity.← Provide a financial process to ensurethe stability and long-term success of theFraternity.

Mission Statement

What Regulations Govern Subordinate Bodies?

ARTICLE XV: SEC. 1. “SubordinateBodies of the Rite in this jurisdiction areorganized and exist by virtue of Letters Tem-porary, which are signed by the officer is-suing them, or of Permanent Chartersgranted by the supreme Council and signedby the Sovereign Grand Commander, theGrand Chancellor, and the Grand SecretaryGeneral, attested by the great seal of theSupreme Council”.

SEC. 2. “A regular Lodge of Perfectionis composed of nine members, and a per-fect Lodge, of thirteen; a regular Chapterof Rose Croix, of seven members, and aperfect Chapter, of thirteen; a regular Coun-cil of Kadosh, of nine members, and a per-fect Council, of eighteen; a regularConsistory of Masters of the Royal Secret,of nine members, and a perfect Consistory,of fourteen; and the number of membersrequired to make these Bodies regular is in-dispensable”.

louisiana scottish rite trestleboard 2009.pdf · 2014-05-10 · arithmetic, geometry, music and...

Documents