louisiana scottish rite trestleboard 2009.pdf · · 2014-05-10the greek version of the mythical...

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2009 ORIENT OF LOUISIANA Volume 11 Issue 4

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Louisiana

Scottish Rite Trestleboard

Scottish Rite FULFILL-BUILD-PROVIDE

Ion Lazar, 32° KCCH

The Symbolic Camp of the 32°Mysteries of Sacred Geometry and Masonic Astronomy

Part IIThe Sacred Triangle & The Mythical Birds

by

continued on page 2

Have you read the full title? I hear you out there: "What isthis 'Sacred Geometry' anyway, what's so 'sacred' about it, andof what practical use is it to our lives as Masons"? Listen, ifyou really want to understand Scottish Rite Freemasonry, ifyou truly wish to unveil its deepest mysteries and to fully graspits awe-inspiring philosophy, then you must study the hiddenmeanings of the 32nd Degree Camp. And in order to fully in-terpret the Camp, you will need to spend a little time gettingacquainted with "Sacred Geometry". Part I of our little studydealt with some of the esoteric meanings of the Cross and ofthe Circle at the Center of our Camp. As we symbolically movefrom the Center of the Camp outward, we encounter our nextobject of study: an Equilateral Triangle having three mythi-cal birds placed at its three points, respectively: a Raven, aDove, and a Phoenix.

Here's a great little secret: the forms of sacred geometry donot represent things. They represent processes. To see the sa-cred aspect of these shapes, we must see them as snapshots ofthe dynamic processes of life. Think of how we routinely usecircles to represent cycles. Consider also, as an example, a tri-angle used to represent the Holy Trinity, or another triangleused to portray Wisdom-Strength-Beauty. Among the manygeometric forms that have been traditionally used as snapshotsof the sacred, the triangular forms are very prevalent. There isno more interesting geometric object for Masons than that ofthe triangle: the numeral three is repeatedly illustrated through-out the Symbolic Lodge - the Great Lights, the Lesser Lights,the principal officers, the columns, etc.

Of all the various triangles, the equilateral triangle wasused by nearly all of the ancient civilizations as a symbol ofthe Deity. To the Egyptians this triangle hieroglyphically sym-bolized the trowel and was considered one of the most perfectof figures. The equilateral triangle is also a symbol of the rec-onciliation of opposites, and thus of perfect equilibrium. Tothe Cabbalist it represents the three primordial sephirotic ema-nations contained into One (the Circle we analyzed in Part I).Keep in mind that in Euclidian Geometry it takes three pointsto fully define a particular circle in two dimensions. Thus thereis "a triangle for every circle" - does this remind you of thecenter of our Camp? The Astrological interpretation of sym-bols formed with more than one triangle, such as the inter-laced triangles of the Seal of Solomon, will be discussed in

Part III.By this point in our study, the aspiring Adept perceives that,

when analyzed as a whole, the Camp is, among several othersymbols, a geometric diagram of Creation or, more precisely,of Manifestation. Students of Alchemy and of Hermetics willthus not be surprised to see that the three mythical birds havebeen placed at the three points and inside the symbolic "tri-angle of manifestation", particularly once the mythology re-lated to each of the birds is closely examined. The placementalso relates to the metaphysical belief that in order to manifestsomething, three components must come together in unison.We can also easily observe that the black raven and the whitedove seem to portray symbolic opposites. This duality whenviewed together is actually more important to understand thantheir individual symbolic interpretation when taken separately.Do you remember the black-and-white "tesserated pavement"of the Symbolic Lodge, orthe half-white-and-half-black poniard of theKnight Kadosh? Thesesymbolic opposites seemto be allegorically recon-ciled and transcended bya third element - repre-sented here by the Phoe-nix - but why? Let us en-deavor to elucidate thiskey point.

In the Book of Genesis, in Noah's account of the Great Floodthere are two birds: a raven and a dove. The role of each of thetwo birds in the Flood story helps us understand their place-ment within the Camp, particularly when the numerical refer-ences to the time intervals throughout the account are properlyunderstood. Thus the Dove symbolizes the pure Soul, or Mercy,while the Raven portrays Justice, or active force in extension.Together they form a pair of opposites; the Phoenix is the syn-thesis of both.

The Phoenix has appeared in various forms and by variousnames throughout the world as a symbol of resurrection. Theword "phoenix" may have come from the Greek phoinix andmay be related to phoinos (blood-red). The earliest known Greekreference to the Phoenix was by Hesiod in the eighth centuryB.C.E. The Greek version of the mythical bird may have beenstyled after the Egyptian Bennu Bird. The Bennu was sacredto Osiris and to Ra, and was a symbol of the Sun and also ofresurrection. It also represented the Morning Star. Incidentally,"Bennu" in Egyptian and "Phoenix" in Greek both mean "datepalm". The date palm tree will be discussed further in Part IIIas it appears on one of the Standards around the Pentagon.

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


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Calendar of EventsGrand Lodge

Wardens Retreat August 15Woodworth

Supreme

Orient of LouisianaConference of the OrientShreveport November 13Honors DayShreveport November 14

ReunionsNew Orleans Sept 26Shreveport Sept 19-20Lake Charles Sept 12-13Baton Rouge Oct 17-18Monroe Oct 31

October 4-6 Supreme CouncilWashington DC

John Adams

continued from front pageThe Symbolic Camp of the 32°:

A central feature of the Phoenix mythis its self-sacrifice, symbolic death, andsubsequent resurrection. The location ofthe sacrifice is associated with the city ofHeliopolis and is closely related to theSun-God Ra. This is a fascinating city inEgyptian history (literally "City of theSun" in Greek), and many of the greatGreek philosophers traveled there forstudy or initiation into the Mysteries. InHeliopolis the Bennu was said to sym-bolically inhabit the "BenBen" stone, apyramid-shaped stone placed on top ofan obelisk consecrated to the Sun. Someof the Mystery Schools used the Phoenixas a symbol of the immortality of the hu-man Soul; sometimes their Initiates werereferred to as Phoenixes, or as "those whohave been born again".

The Phoenix appears at other timesin history, sometimes in unexpectedplaces. We find it in Torah literature andmidrash, in Renaissance literature ofGreek and Roman influence, and some-times even in alchemical writings, al-though not quite as often as we mightexpect. We should note here that the al-legorical imagery associated with thePelican remains a very close parallel tothe Phoenix symbolism. We also find ref-erences to it in the Book of Job and invarious Rosicrucian writing.Also…never mind, we dare not mentionHarry Potter here…

Sacred Geometry tells a compelling,moving story. We can now see a bit moreclearly how the esoteric symbolism of thethree mythical birds, particularly whentaken together, complements the interpre-tation of the sacred triangle around thecenter of our Camp. In Part III we willbegin to unveil the Astrological symbol-ism of the mystic numbers Five and Sixand to present the esoteric keys to sev-eral of the Historical and PhilosophicalDegrees. Salve Frater!

Ion Lazar, 32ºKCCH

Mark Your CalendarYork Rite Festivals

August 1st HoumaUnity Lodge #267 7:45 amHonoring M:W: Jeff Webb, GMAugust 8th MonroeWestern Star Lodge #24August 22nd Baton RougeSt. James Lodge #47August 22nd ShreveportCreswell Temple

El Karubah Shrine TempleShrine Circus September 25-27CenturyTel Center Bossier CityFamily Day October 3El Karubah Temple - Lakeshore Drive

All the perplexities, confusion and dis-tress in America arise, not from defects intheir Constitution or Confederation, notfrom want of honor or virtue, so much asfrom the downright ignorance of the na-ture of coin, credit and circulation.

Patriotism is supporting your countryall the time, and your government when itdeserves it. Mark Twain

There is nothing wrong with Americathat the faith, love of freedom, intelli-gence and energy of her citizens cannotcure. Dwight D Eisenhower

The Louisiana Scottish Rite Foundation

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In Memory of Mary Ann RobersonDr. and Mrs. Beryl Franklin

In Memory of Mildred HendersonDr. and Mrs. Beryl Franklin

In Memory of Gyl DalrympleDr. and Mrs. Beryl Franklin

D. W. Jessen EngineeringScholarship Donations

In Memory of Edward MeauxD. W. Jessen & Associates, LLC

Brandon Keck

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.

Archie HickmanFrank Jensen

James WigginsAnthony RadostiHarvey Gimball

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

LSU ShreveportAmber Neal

Meredith Creech

Foundation Officers 2009-2010S. Bruce Easterly PresidentWilliam V. King Vice PresidentE. Louis McGee TreasurerRobert C. Joyner SecretaryWilliam J. Mollere ChairmanJohn L. Atkinson Executive DirectorHarry E. Moseley Board MemberWilliam H. Brown Board MemberI. C. Turnley, Jr. Board MemberNeal R. Crane Board Member

University of Louisiana-LafayetteStacey E PicouHope H Taylor

University of Louisiana-HammondLeslie Miller McKenzie

Leah Guidry

D W Jessen Enginnering ScholarshipLouisiana TechBrandon Keck

La Scottish Rite Foundation Memorials

Foundation NewsThe Louisiana Scottish Rite Founda-

tion is proud to host the 2010 Rite CareConference, in New Orleans. The themefor the conference is The Rythm & Bluesof Speech Language and Literacy. TheConference Director is Sandra L. Hayes,SLP-D, Associate Professor of ClinicalCommunication Disorders LSU HealthScience Center-Shreveport Specialty Lan-guage Pathology Program.

All of the 177 centers, clinics, andprograms share in one mission: To helpchildren Communicate to their fullest po-tential.

The following individuals will be at-tending the Conference from Louisiana:

Center DirectorsSandra L. Hayes, SLPD

Dr. Alisa Mendosa, SLPDHolly L. Damico, M.S. CCC/SLPAimee Q. Adams, M.S. CCC/SLPSarah L. Hayes, M.S., CCC/SLP

Board MembersWilliam J. Mollere, 33° S.G.I.G..

John L. Atkinson, 33°G.C, Exe Director

Every good act is charity. A man’s truewealth hereafter is the good that he doesin this world to his fellows.

Moliere

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Reflections on the Degree Grand Pontiffby

Ricks Martin Bowles, 32° KCCHTo plant the trees that, after we are dead, shall shelter our

children,is as natural as to love the shade of those our fathers

planted. Albert PikeMorals & Dogma

When the "Professer" and I first arrived in Louisiana inpreparation for our move to Baton Rouge we were quite takenby the glorious live oak trees we found downtown, in manyneighborhoods, and especially those on the campus of Louisi-ana State University. When we purchased our new home in anarea that had no trees anywhere except on the vacant lots, sheinsisted that we purchase a sapling and plant it in our frontyard, "Because I love the way they look with the limbs flowingout over the shady lawns in other neighborhoods" She said.

"May you live so long," I muttered as I planted the skinnylittle thing not knowing that she could hear me across the yardwhere she was setting out some of her beloved purple and yel-low pansies.

"Somebody will," she shouted back at me, never looking upfrom her serious endeavor of getting our home and environsproperly prepared for the National Championship that the Ti-gers would win that year.

As I gaze out my front win-dow now I see a tree that is al-most twenty feet tall with atrunk about as big around asHerman Johnson's leg. And yes,with a little applied imagination,I can see the beginnings of acouple of those branches begin-ning to spread out over a cornerof my yard and my neighbor'slawn. Perhaps someday one ofmy grandchildren will point upinto the high branches of thatoak and remark, "My Grandpar-ents planted that tree." And,please allow me my fantasy and

hope, if he has achieved the Nineteenth Degree of the ScottishRite, I hope that he will understand that the tree is for him andall of his generation. I pray also that he will then understandthat he, too, must plant something for the future.

When I was installed as Master of my Lodge I recall stand-ing before the Lodge, looking down the sidelines, and seeingBrother Master Masons, all in tuxedoes and white shirts lin-ing each side of the lodge. Mine is a rather small Lodge, butat that moment it seemed that the Brethren were standing there,and the two lines of them seemed to extend into infinity as ifevery Freemason who had ever been, and every one who wouldcome after, was present with all the Brothers of this time. Allwere standing there with expectations of the future. It was oneof the most humbling and overpowering moments of my life.

One of the duties of the Nineteenth Degree is to be contentto labor for the future. I think that architects, engineers, andbuilders must have some sense of this. With the equipment,

techniques, and materials of today they most often see whatthey have designed and built. But surely, deep down, they musthave strong appreciation, and perhaps, a measure of envy to-ward those Master Masons and builders of long ago who de-signed only to see another start, and he only to see anotherbuild, and he only to know that another would complete one ofthe many magnificent structures of long gone cultures, someof which still stand and function in our time.

The builder today may have many advantages over hisBrothers of yesteryear but he hasthings with which to deal that hisearlier time counterparts did not!Safety issues, environmental im-pact, historical societies, OSHA!

But there is a lesson for us herealso. As we construct that whichwe build, both material and non-material, should we as Freemasonsnot be most concerned about ourimpact on those around us? Wemust be concerned that what wedo and say might hurt someone.Is what we are doing a positive ornegative example? Is there some-thing that we must destroy in order to build? Should it be de-stroyed?

Albert Pike tells us, "Knowing the slow process by whichthe Deity brings about great results, the Mason does not expectto reap as well as sow, in a single lifetime. It is the inflexiblefate and noblest destiny, with rare exceptions, of the great andgood, to work, and let others reap the harvest of their labors."

My younger son recently gave me a potted Century Plant sonamed because it supposedly blooms once every hundred years.I am going to plant it by the back fence. These plants grow tobe huge long before they bloom. I wonder if I'll ever see itsblossoms. No matter, someone will!

Yours in ServiceRick Bowles

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 PMAdvisory Conference 5:00 PM

Wednesday, August 5thBring a Friend NightSpeaker from the WWII MuseumWednesday, September 2ndGuest ChefMs Aimee Adams-MS CCC/SLP from theUniversity of Louisiana-Hammondspeaks on the Speech/Language Center

continued on page 13

In Memoriam

2009 Membership Fees were dueon December 31, 2008

Recent Valley News

Note: Advisory Conference meets at 5:00 pm

before each meeting.

God is Good

The Valley of New Orleans has takenits meetings on the road…again, and ITWORKS! You might recall that duringMarch and April the Valley had organizedits monthly meetings outside of the usualCarondelet Street venue - we met atBayou Fellowship Lodge in Cutoff onMarch 4th and at William D. WhiteLodge in Gretna on April 1st. These meet-ings broke new ground regarding Valleyoperations and were so successful andwell-attended that the Brethren willsurely treasure the memories of thoseevenings for years to come. Our hosts atBayou Fellowship Lodge treated us to alavish Feast prepared under the directionof W. M. Brian A. Pellegrin and his War-dens Joey Callais and Zachary Gisclair.At William D. White Lodge we were wel-comed by W. M. Kim J. Allemand andhis Wardens Armond Love and JohnBreaud, and after an outstanding mealwere treated to an excellent performanceof the Ceremony of Remembrance andRenewal, put on by Bro. Elmo Barnes,32º and his team. Our hosts deserve ourheartfelt thanks and our gratitude.

Hard to "improve on a winning for-mula"? Well, under the leadership of itsVenerable Master, Bro. Anthony Radosti32º KCCH, the Valley has once againproven that creativity and hard workbreed success. On May 6th the Valley'smeeting was hosted by the JerusalemShrine Center in Destrehan, where theDivan led by Potentate Hugh Pentney, Sr.and the Team of Miracle-Workers reallyoutdid themselves. The well-attendedopen meeting was the scene of an unprec-edented event: the first time a sitting Po-tentate and a sitting Venerable Masterjointly signed a Shrine Petition and aScottish Rite Petition, respectively. Bro.Rickey J. Bellanger, Sr. is the ScottishRite member who will be entering theShrine, and Bro. Andre Pentney, who isalso Potentate Hugh Pentney, Sr. 'sbrother, will be going through the next

Scottish Rite Reunion. Our VenerableMaster Tony Radosti is an active mem-ber of the Shrine's Director's Staff.

Ill. Bro. Lloyd Hebert 33º, our Valley'sGeneral Secretary, presented several La-dies' Patents, and Venerable MasterRadosti briefly explained their impor-tance as a significant Scottish Rite privi-lege. Ill. Bro. Hebert 33º and Bro. IonLazar 32ºKCCH were each presentedwith a beautiful Diploma and lapel pinas recent graduates of the Master Crafts-man Program. Ill. Bro. Charles McCarty33º, our Personal Representative to theSGIG as well as a Past Potentate, deliv-ered an allocution on the importance ofMasonic Education and Research. Ven-erable Master Radosti then recognizedthe Appendant Masonic Bodies and spokeabout Rainbow Girls activities. Ill. Bro.Clayton "Chip" Borne III 33º, who is theExecutive Officer in Louisiana for theDeMolay Organization for boys, outlinedthe need for DeMolay Advisors to assistthe work of the Chapters. We sincerelythank Potentate Pentney and the Jerusa-lem Shriners for a truly memorableevening.

On June 1st the Scottish Rite Eaglesymbolically spread its wings again, andthe Valley meeting was hosted byGermania Lodge in Mid-City. Germaniais one of only ten Blue Lodges using theScottish Rite Ritual, a Lodge widelyknown for its warm hospitality; it hasbeen practically rebuilt from the insideout after Hurricane Katrina by a verysmall group of selfless and tireless Broth-ers led by W. Bro. Andrew Mims. TheGermania Hospitality Team led by W.M.Glenn Cupit and his Wardens RobertBrandstetter and John Day welcomed ourValley with a spread well worthy of theLodge's German heritage. Everyone re-marked, once again, how great it was tohave the Ladies present during the open

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 EVENTS


Give a Living Legacy! Donate tothe Shreveport Scottish Rite

Foundation

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

Knights of St. Andrew

William J Bettis, 32°Kenneth F Graves, 32°Dennis D Mayfield, 32°Charles S Passman, 32°

Tuesday, August 11thStated Meeting 6:30 PM

Tuesday, September 8thOpen Meeting 6:30 PMSpecial Program presentation

Fall Reunion September 19-20Note: Advisory Conference meets at 5:00 pm

before each meeting.

From the Secretary’s Desk KCCH Club

FraternallyPat Houston, President KCCH Club

Commencing in 1998 and approved bythe Assistant Secretary of Defense, the Su-preme Council, Southern Jurisdiction, ini-tiated a program of recognition for outstand-ing Junior ROTC students. This initiativerecognizes high school youth enrolled in theJunior Reserve Officers Training Corps(JROTC) unit for their scholastic excellenceand patriotic Americanism efforts. Theaward consists of a medal, ribbon and a cer-tificate suitable for framing.

Army JROTC Cadet Skylar Peyton of NatchitochesCentral High School and M:W: Jeff Webb, GM 33°

JROTC Americanism Award

As of this writing, we have One hun-dred and One members who have not paidtheir 2009 dues. With investments beingdown, the majority of the funds for theannual budget comes from members'dues. Annual Dues for the Valley are$75.00. It would be appreciated if allmembers would check their cards andmake sure that it is current with a 2009date on it. It not, mail your check to P.O.Box 64, Shreveport, LA 71161.

Fraternally,John L. Atkinson, 33°, G.C.

Chapter elections for the new officerswill be held on August 4th. We are thank-ful for the grand leadership of our cur-rent Knight Commander E. Allen Kelly.His service this past two years has beenwell received. We look forward to the nexttwo years under the leadership of our in-coming Knight Commander Dr. CareyAllison. The Knights are planning onpresenting the 29th Degree during theupcoming Fall Reunion. We've been dili-gently been guarding the banner.

The KCCH Club has been very busyrecently. The cast has been practicing BroCarl H Claudy’s play, A Rose Upon theAlter. We are so excited that the play andcast have been revived after a brief hia-tus. If your Lodge is looking for a pro-gram to introduce Masonry to prospects,it cannot find a better avenue than thispresentation. Contact Pat Houston foradditional information and schedulingyour event.

If you are looking to get actively in-volved with the KCCH, please give PatHouston a call at (318) 560-2882 or bye-mail at [email protected].

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, August 19thAnnual Charter out of town tripFall Reunion September 12-13Wednesday, September 16thLt. Fontenot - Downtown DevelopmentWednesday, October 21stFeast of TishriJason Barns - Don’t trash CalcasieuAnnual 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

William T Cagnon, Jr., 32°John Franklin, 32°

Herbert B Gregg, 32°Wayburn G HendersonLionel G Porter, 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.”

Freemasonry is an institution based onthat never-failing charity which upholdsuniversal love, calms the troubled sea ofour evil passions, and leaves a smooth sur-face, in which all men, who are sincere andconscientious worshipers of God, and un-exceptionable in moral deportment, mayunite, bless each other, and rejoice in prac-tically realizing the sublime sentiment thatGod hath made mankind one mighty broth-erhood, himself their master, and the worldhis lodge.

The study of Freemasonry is the studyof man as a candidate for a blessed eter-nity. It furnishes examples of holy living,and displays the conduct which is pleasingand acceptable to God. The doctrine andexamples which distinguish the Order areobvious and suited to every capacity. It isimpossible for the most fastidious Masonto misunderstand, however he may slight orneglect them. It is impossible for the mostsuperficial brother to say that he is unableto comprehend the plain precepts, and theunanswerable arguments which are fur-nished by Freemasonry.

There are great Truths at the founda-tion of Freemasonry—truths which it is itsmission to teach—and which as constitut-ing the very essence of that sublime systemwhich gives to the venerable institution itspeculiar identity as a science of morality,and it behooves every disciple diligently toponder and inwardly digest.

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]

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Dinner 6:30 Meeting 7:30Monday, August 10th28th Degree presentationSaturday, August 15thWidows NightMonday, September 14thFeash of Tishri - KCCH Club & KStAconducts ceremonyFall Reunion October 17-18Monday, October 12thDanny Smith presents 8th DegreeMonday, November 9thM:W: Jeff Webb, GM visitMonday, December 14thElection of OfficersIll. William J Mollere, SGIG to be receivedNote: The Advisory Conference meets at5:30 prior to regular meetings.


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

continued next column God is Great

continued page 13

Greetings from the Baton Rouge Val-ley. You all have read and heard of mydedication and devotion to family, butdoesn't this apply to all of us since theMasonic fraternity is a family. We are allmembers of this family and it starts withthe Blue Lodge and works from there. Myhome lodge presented 25 and 50 yearawards this month and one of two 50 yearrecipients and one of five 25 year recipi-ents made the meeting. We had a greatcrowd and great food and all had a won-derful time but I better come to the point.Our Sovereign Grand Commander Ill.Ronald A. Seale and our SGIG Ill. Will-iam Jules Mollere served as the Masterof Ceremonies and guest speaker. Ill.Seale was present to present the 50 yearaward in the Lodge and the 50 year awardin the Scottish Rite to his first cousinLouis Baine who is a Past Master of thelodge. Several of Brother Seale's &Brother Baine's cousins and relativeswere there and they had a great time. Thisnight we wanted the family to enjoy eachothers company. Ill. Seale is our Sover-eign Grand Commander and our boss, butsometimes we need to let him be Ronnie,a Past Master of East Gate Lodge and aBaton Rouge Boy. Illustrious Sir, I hopewe allowed you to be so.

On August 15th we will have our an-nual Widow's Night and Joe Stroud ischairman of the program. Joe and Ms.Shirley put a lot of effort into this pro-gram and it has been such a success withtheir leadership. Come join us and havea great time and if you don't have anyoneto bring, pick up a widow and bring heras we can always use the help.

I started this a year ago and I am stillpromoting the "Help your Brother Fund"and will continue to do so. If a brothercalls me and advises me he can't pay hisdues as he can't afford it, he needs to saynothing more and it will be handled. Ifyou want to be a part of this club, send in

your donation and mark it "Help yourBrother Fund" and you will be blessed.Brethren it is coming to that time of theyear when dues must be taking care ofand decisions must be made and if youneed help let me know.

I appreciate all you do for the Scot-tish Rite and always support your BlueLodge

The year is half over and you wonderwhere it all went. Actually when we lookback, we are amazed how fast time slipsaway.

Some years ago, someone wrote asong about this and I cannot rememberwho wrote it, but I do remember a line inthis song said: "Isn't it funny how timeslips away". Well it goes without saying,that there is nothing funny about how fasttime slips away. There is so much to doand so little time.

Which brings me to the subject thatwe most often tend to forget. I would liketo thank every Scottish Rite Mason whohas joined this wonderful Fraternity overthe years and continues to stay the course.It is because of each one of you that thisGreat Fraternity is able to exist. As welook back on the years, even though wemay not realize the importance of ourdedication to the Scottish Rite, let meassure you that this Fraternity was builtby members with the same dedication thatyou and I have. You should be very proudof yourself. We are certainly proud of youand your dedication to this Scottish RiteFraternity of ours. Come by when you arein the area Fiat Lux,

B J Guillot, 33º GSW

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, August 6thDinner with Ladies 6:00 PMProgram 7:00 PMJoe Ratcliff, LMRT LPC - SpeakerThe Advisory Conference meets on thethird Monday at 6 pm.Thursday, September 3rdDinner with Ladies 6:00 PMProgram 7:00 PMA Rose Upon the AltarThursday, October 1stDinner with Ladies 6:00 PMProgram 7:00 PM


2009 Membership fees are due byDecember 31, 2008

IN MEMORIAM

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°

A Rose Upon the AltarI am sure that that the majority of our

membership has seen a presentation ofone of Brother Carl Claudy's plays, "ARose Upon the Altar". However the Mon-roe Bodies is in for a treat in Septem-ber!! The cast does an excellent job ofteaching very important lessons relatingto one of Freemasonry's basic tenets: Thatof Brotherly Love!

This Masonic play will be presentedby a dedicated cast, made up of membersof the Monroe Scottish Rite, for the pro-gram at the September 3, 2009 meeting.You, as a member of these Bodies owe itto yourself and your family to do yourlevel best to attend this production! Thisalso would be a good time to bring a pro-spective Masonic Brother or a BlueLodge Mason and let them see whatMasonry is all about. The Blue LodgeBrother could get a better idea of whathappens at the Meetings of the MonroeScottish Rite Bodies and be more recep-tive when you offer him a petition for theOctober Reunion!

On October 1st the Monroe ScottishRite Bodies, at their regular meeting, willcelebrate "The Feast of Tishri". This isan obligatory Feast Day and you as aMaster of the Royal Secret first heardabout it in the Fourteenth Degree (ThePerfect Elu). This feast is known by manynames: "The Feast of the Tabernacles",The Feast of Ingathering", The Feast ofthe First Fruits", as well as "The Feast ofSalvation". The ancient Hebrews followeda lunar calendar of thirteen months oftwenty eight days each. Since this Feastwas celebrated in the month of Tishri,(last of September or first of October) wehave used this title more frequently. Thisis the time of harvest and thus you cansee the relevance to the various namesused for it. It was really the first "gov-ernment sanctioned" "ThanksgivingFeast".

We as Masters of the Royal Secretshould use it as a time of Remembrances.While our ancient Jewish brethren usedit as a period of thanksgiving for theirdeliverance from captivity in Egypt, wecould easily use it as a period of remem-brance and thanksgiving for the manyblessings we have enjoyed due to ourFounding Forefathers, from our first Dec-laration of Independence, through themany wars that have been fought up tothe present that allow us to celebrate ourmany blessings. We should remember andbe extremely grateful for those men andwomen who fought, bled, and even diedthat we could live in this country and en-joy the contributions left for us to enjoy.We have many gifts that have been handeddown to us from generation after genera-tion for which to be thankful. Let us re-member and be humbly and prayerfullygrateful; at this particular Feast of Tishri!

Feast of Tishri

Jimmy Dale Yates, 32° KCCHSamuel Durward Head, 32°Donald Lee Brazzell, 33°

John Thomas Bennett, 33°

Feast of TishriNote: The Advisory Council meets on the 3rd Mon-

day of each month at 6 pm.

10


It isn't a profoundand remarkable state-ment to say that Twenty-First Century societylives in a new Age ofInformation . Theyounger generations de-fine themselves in thisnew age by using theInternet, emails, textmessaging, online chatforums, digital socialnetworks, cell phones,

cell phone cameras, personal digital assistants (PDA's), electronicbooks, e-readers, and computers. All of these digital mediums offer acountless number of ways for social interaction. This new digital worldalso makes available an incredible online library of news, history,scholarship, the mundane, and other information that might even besaid to eclipse the once Great Library of Alexandria. The terms Ipod,Iphone, Blackberry, Apple, Mac, PC, Laptop, PDA, etc. have enteredsociety's nomenclature just like the now ubiquitous term Zerox en-tered society's vocabulary in the 1970's.

As a result of this Age of Information, news and information fromthe remotest parts of the world travel from one place to another withrapidity. As this article was written, the World discovered what washappening in Iran's Presidential election through Twitter (an onlinesocial network) even though Iran officially banned all news coverageby decree and through the use of brute force. Because of this newunrestricted access to information, the World has changed and so hasFreemasonry. Its rituals, jurisprudence, news, texts, history, esoterictopics, and, even scandals, are available to anyone for the askingwith just a simple keystroke. Sadly though, the Fraternity's scandalsand warts (as rare as they might be) are exposed and forever im-printed upon the Internet's stone-like-tablets just as if the mythicalThoth with his quill in hand were entering such events permanently

in his Book of Judgment. The Internet is a moderntechnological All-Seeing-Eye; it literally sees andrecords all. Such Internet etchings serve as con-stant perpetual news headlines, which despite theirdates of creation, are literally new to every personentering the appropriate search term on the Internet.Information, true or false, once on the Internet cannever really be erased from a search engine's elec-tronic probes. See, e.g., the Wayback Machine(www.archive.org). The Internet never forgets. Inthe past, what happened in one part of our MasonicWorld, far remote from our own, didn't matter muchsince time faded the sharp edge of events from hu-man memory. However, now, with the Age of In-formation important news in one jurisdiction im-

pacts every other jurisdiction. Because of technology, a splash in onearea causes ripples to travel toward another. Practically speaking,technology and the Age of Information no longer allow Freemasonryto operate as a group of isolated sovereign islands. Moreover, mem-bers of every Masonic jurisdiction interact with each other onlineand news is quickly shared in this network.

As odd as it may seem to some, especially to the older genera-

FREEMASONRY AND THE NEW AGEOF INFORMATION

tions, the younger generations spend what might seem like an inordi-nate part of their individual lives in an alternate reality: in an onlinedigital world of social interaction. This New Age of Information usesonline social-networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn,Twitter, and others (if you know what these sites are, then this articleisn't for you-if you don't know what these sites are, then this is thevery reason why this article was written). Freema-sonry also exists online on the Internet throughMasonic themed forums, email lists, websites, chatrooms, and libraries. Many will ask: what is wrongwith real world interaction and socialization sinceit has served society very well since the dawn ofcivilization? This is a good question and the manypossible answers to this question might explain why society haschanged and why the younger generations now choose to interactonline rather than in real world settings. Does it represent a retreatfrom reality? Does it represent a philosophic preference for the idealover the real? Nevertheless, despite what answers may be offered tothese questions, to thrive in this new Age of Information Freema-sonry must change and adapt. However, one problem with change inour Masonic world is that Masonic governance, by its very dedica-tion to unchanging Landmarks and stability, is, itself, slow to acceptor make changes. It doesn't often tolerate internal dissent or debatepreferring the lockstep march of uniformity. Freemasonry must real-ize that the world around us has changed or is changing. Yet, changeit must, as painful as it may be, if it is to survive. And, it can adapt,it has for thousands of years.

Men from my own generation (I'm 41) grew up as the first indi-viduals who enjoyed the benefits of having a personal computer (PC)at home. I can still remember when the Internet was taking its firststeps and when it was introduced into everyday parlance. I partici-pated in its embryonic stages in the 1980's through now obsolete dial-up communities, such as CompuServe, using a network of 56k tele-phone modems aided by long forgotten Apple and Commodore 64Computers. This was the first time in history that you could, withrelative ease, locate and communicate digitally with likeminded per-

sons all over the world--persons who shared aninterest in a particular hobby, a topic, or anynumber of social interests, including Freema-sonry. In fact, these electronic exchanges are, inpart, what first stirred my interest in the Craft,

although because of my age, the written text and actual personal in-teraction formed the majority of the influences steering me towardFreemasonry.

The vast majority of our current aging membership and leaderswill eventually be called to rest in the Great Lodge, eternal in theheavens. Our membership numbers are heavily weighted and es-chewed toward the elderly. No one would agree that this is a healthyratio or proportion. Youth does not currently define or fuel the Fra-ternity. Because of this, if we are to survive, we need to attract thenew younger generations from the Age of Information. If you look atthe demographics of the various age groups who compose the Frater-nity nationwide, these statistics show that men in their forties andyounger, men such as myself, form only a very small percentage ofour current membership (one recent statistic showed that men of myage and younger are only 5% of the fraternity). Yet, despite the needto reach out to the younger generations, the older members who con-trol the Fraternity just barely understand how the new younger gen-erations interact; a generational gap exists. As part of the older seg-ment of the youthful generations of the Age of Information, I justbarely understand this new age. Hence, I know how daunting thesechanges might be the older one is. The future of the Fraternity de-pends upon whether the younger generations will choose to take partin our Fraternity's traditions and whether we will still seem relevantto the younger generations in the real world even though they have

Marc Conrad, 32° KCCH

by

continued page 11

11


chosen to interact in an online one.As a member of the more aged and elderly part of the first gen-

eration exposed to the Age of Information, I too feel as if I am lag-ging behind-I must be growing older and slower? My own mind isless accepting of change; yet, I still can run with the new youngertechnological herd even if I am starting to eventually drift toward theback of the pack since it was part of my upbringing. Unlike the oldergeneration who constitutes the majority of the Fraternity's currentmembership and leaders, the younger generations use new techno-logical tools to communicate, network, make friends, and interact.They socialize online. If they aren't online using a desktop or laptopcomputer, they are communicating and interacting using a cell phoneor PDA for sending text or email messages. Because the Fraternitylargely exists in the real world, it has struggled with its online pres-ence and a way to reach members of the Age of Information. No uni-formity to the Fraternity's online presence exists; it is a wild frontier.The Fraternity's online presence varies from the excellent, to thesloppy, to the just pathetic. The Fraternity has struggled with theway that information and facts about it are instantly available forreview and study on the Internet, whether official or unofficial. Thesefacts, true or false, are displayed on the Internet, twenty-four hours aday and three-hundred sixty-five days a year. This is, perhaps, thegreatest problem that the Fraternity now faces.

I was inspired to write this Article after reading an online essayby a lawyer who authors an extremely popular "blog" (a series ofonline essays or news articles written by an independent journalist)on the Internet about technological and social trends facing the legalprofession. This blog is called the "the [non]billable hour" and iswritten by Attorney Matthew Homann. He is a frequent speaker atlegal seminars and his ideas are widely read as prophetic concerningmodern technological and societal trends as they relate to the legalprofession-he certainly sits on the far edge of these issues and folkswould be well served to listen if they want to see what the futuremight offer. On June 14th, Mr. Homann wrote an article entitled "TenRules of the New Web." This list of "Ten Rules of the New Web" wasthe product of an innovative think-tank and discussion group recentlyheld involving Mr. Homann to discuss technology and how lawyersshould pay attention to current technological trends if they wanted toreach clients in the Age of Information. I have borrowed heavily fromhis original ten points and ideas. But, I have adapted them to theFraternity where needed. Many of these points are relevant to theissues that we now face. Take heed!

1. "Social media" isn't rocket science. It's just sharing whoyou are, what you do, and what you think with [others includingpotential new members of the Craft] online.

Online Internet social media sites don't involve rocket science.All of these things are child's play to the younger generations even ifthey seem daunting to the older generations. However, if you take amoment to think about it, online interaction using social media sitesuses the same skill set that many of our older members and leadersalready have been using successfully for years to make new friendsand introduce potential new members to Freemasonry. It's reallysimple: because the younger generations interact and make friendsonline, Freemasonry must devote whatever resources are necessaryto reach them. Friendship is universal. The desire to know the an-swers to timeless questions is universal. We just need to reach out inthe Age of Information using the tools available. We need to mean-ingfully invest capital and human resources in these areas to do so.Ignoring the online world ignores the next generation of Freemasons.Some Masonic bodies and jurisdictions have done exactly this andthey are reaping the rewards. For an excellent example, just look atthe investment of time and capital used by the Supreme Council forits National website.

2. Linked In is: "Where are you working?" Facebook is:"What are you doing?" Twitter is: "What are you thinking?"

This rule defines the differences between each popular onlinesocial network on the Internet. Each of these social media tools areevolving and we are sure to see more as these networks evolve. Ifyou don't know what these three social media networking sites are,then you need to catch-up. If you aren't using them, then you need toask yourself why or why not? If you don't know how to use thesesites, then you need to ask a younger member of the Fraternity toshow you how. The future leaders and foremost visionary thinkers inthe Scottish Rite are all using these networks to interact right now.Our future members are using these tools.

3. Ever thought it would be cool to be invisible? IgnoreFacebook, LinkedIn and Twitter [and the whole new Masoniconline community] and to a vast number of your potential [newmembers], you will be [invisible].

Of the ten rules listed in this essay, this is, in my opinion, one ofthe most important points of them all. If we ignore the new socialnetworking sites, if we ignore the Internet, and if we ignore the onlineMasonic community, then we become invisible to the generations ofyounger members who will hopefully form the future rank-and-fileof our Fraternity in the Age of Information. We need the youngergenerations from the Age of Information to continue our proud tradi-tions. The older members need to realize that they aren't going tolive forever and we need younger members to survive. If we don'tcarve out a place for Freemasonry and Freemasons on the Internet,then we essentially do not have a "horse in the race" with the youngergenerations. Presently, we aren't competitive in this area since wehave largely allowed the older generation using obsolete strategiesto decide what content is presented about us on the Internet. Finally,if we allow others to define us on the Internet instead of definingourselves, then our critics will define us.

4. Want to understand the value of being active online? Askthe guy standing in the corner by himself at your next network-ing event how many friends he's made.

This rule reinforces the point that if we want to attract new mem-bers from the Age of Information, then we simply need to join andparticipate in the online world. We can no longer stand in the prover-bial "corner" and wait for potential members to approach us-we needto mingle and make friends. We need an online presence as an Insti-tution and as individual members. We need to be proactive instead ofreactive. Grand Lodges, lodges, and other Masonic bodies should haveofficer(s) dedicated to online communication. The younger genera-tions socialize using the Internet and we need to reach out to them.They use the Internet as the cornerstone and important first step inthe chain of social interactions that create a meaningful relationshipin their eyes. Freemasons are builders so let's build the online cor-nerstones needed to reach out to the next generation of brothers. Inthe early Eighteenth century, Freemasonry arose and thrived in theAge of Enlightenment. It traveled during that age to meet men wherethey congregated: in pubs and coffee houses. The men of the Age ofInformation meet online and we should meet them there.

5. First impressions are no longer made in person. Peoplewant to get to know you before they meet you -- and the placethey go is the web. Are you there, and what kind of first impres-sion do you make?

When we are represented by amateur or poorly designed websites,younger potential new members from the Age of Information simplyignore us. However, expertly and professionally designed Masonicwebsites show younger potential new members the intellectual wealthof our teachings and the depth of our historic fraternal traditions. Onthe other hand, if potential new members read about fine dining,toasting, and intellectual fellowship that exists in European style tablelodges permitted in one area, they soon become disillusioned if itdoesn't exist in practice in their own area; i.e., if they read about filet

continued page 12

continued from page 10The New Age of Information:

12

Scottish Rite FULFILL-BUILD-PROVIDEcontinued from page 11The New Age of Information:mignon but are served hot-dogs then we shouldn't be surprised ifthey quickly lose interest in the Fraternity. Potential new youngermembers from the Age of Information encounter Freemasonry onlineon the Internet well before they ever bother to consider locating areal Masonic lodge. These potential new members often know moreabout the Fraternity, its rituals, its teachings, and its esoteric myster-ies than do current Masonic off icers and long-standing members.These new younger members come seeking the wealth of our esoterictraditions having read about them in countless books on the topicsince they are freely and instantly available on the Internet. Whenour leaders and our members are unable to provide answers to theirquestions or when they do not find the answers they are seeking, theylose interest and leave. We need to make a meaningful first impres-sion in the Age of Information and backup any online promises in thereal world settings. If our history and traditions promise deep philo-sophical or esoteric discussions, distinguished past members, or im-pressive architectural lodge rooms and facilities, then our real worldmust deliver those things. The younger generations in the Age of In-formation use the Internet to dispel puffery and expose exaggeration.

6. Just because you are "friends" with someone online doesn'tmean they'd recognize you in a crowd of three people. Make youronline connections the start of relationships, not the extent ofthem.

An online community cannot replace live social interaction in thereal world. This is the strongest aspect that Freemasonry has to offerthe younger generation. The younger generations are part of the Ageof Information and an online world, but, we, as humans, are socialanimals. We need contact with the real world. Freemasonry offersthe fellowship that we all need and seek. Moreover, the Age of Infor-mation isolates individuals. As electronically accessible as the Worldhas become using the Internet, certain loneliness travels along itstechnological paths unless one interacts in the real world. The Internetis a tool and not a destination. Freemasonry offers a community ofreal interaction and meaningful fellowship that cannot be replacedusing an alternate online reality.

7. Unless you measure the value of your real friendships bybusiness you receive from them, it is unfair to hold your onlinefriends to a higher standard.

This rule reminds us that we should be friendly with everyone inthe online world. Just as we try to act like good neighbors in our realcommunities, we should do the same online. Although the Internet isan alternative reality, the same rules of morality, ethics, and civilitystill apply. If you wouldn't treat people rudely in real life, you shouldn'tdo so in an online community even if it exists only on the Internet.

8. The only thing you'll get from your online friends are theirupdates…unless you ask them for more.

In the real world, Masonic institutions should try to contact everymember on its membership roles by telephone or personal letter. Weare, after all, a fraternity. Form letters aren't enough. Dues noticesare under no circumstances an appropriate method of contact. It is afact that some of our members haven't heard from us in years and wehaven't heard from them either. You'd be surprised what a simplephone call expressing a personal and genuine interest in the welfareof another will do. It often renews their interest in the fraternity andit fulfills our obligations as Freemasons. We all need to be shownthat we matter, we are important, and we are needed. Each and everymember has a contribution to make to our Fraternity. We need toreach out and show a "personal" interest in our members. These samerules apply to our online friends. A generic and impersonal letter oran email will not work. We must personalize everything.

9. Before Facebook, what happened in Vegas stayed in Ve-gas. Now, what happens in Vegas can impact your business. Becareful on Facebook, but ignore it at your peril.

Of the ten rules listed in this essay, this one is, in my opinion, themost important lesson of them all. Through human imperfection, neg-ligence, or ignorance, Freemasonry, Masonic Institutions, and its in-dividual members have made mistakes. In the Age of Information,contemporary examples of these mistakes are broadcast widely onthe Internet. This information cannot be ignored or erased. More-over, our Fraternity's historical mistakes are available for review onthe Internet because information, archives, and books are now widelyavailable in digital format. What would have taken years to learn byassembling facts scattered about libraries all over the world, nowtakes months using online resources. Navigating in the Age of Infor-mation with the goal of maintaining a pure spotless white lambskinapron for our Masonic Institutions will take new strategies and thevery real understanding that there are no secrets anymore. The Internetnever forgets or forgives. Mistakes cannot be ignored. Misinforma-tion must be corrected. Sometimes ignoring mistakes or misinforma-tion in the Age of Information, whether historical or contemporary,magnifies and worsens the problems.

10. The most important social media tool is the telephone.Reaching out to online friends can turn them into real ones.

This point reinforces the universal human need for "real" versusonline interaction. Online friendships do not become meaningful untilwe take the time to send someone a personal message followed up bya real conversation or live meeting. A phone call is an important f irststep in reaching out to others. However, grasping someone's hand infriendship at a meeting and breaking bread at a good meal are evenmore powerful tools. As advanced as the online world might be inthe speed and ease of interaction, the Age of Information cannot re-place actual live communication. Humans need human interactionand bonding. Freemasonry offers this in a world crying out for realhuman interaction since it has become so rare. Our technological worldhas created amazing things, but it has also created loneliness. Indi-viduals in pre-industrial societies never knew loneliness. They em-braced community. Freemasonry offers friendship and fellowship.Freemasonry offers brotherhood.

It is time to embrace the new Age of Information with strategicvisibility. It is time to meet the next generation of Freemasons.Theyare all online. It is time to meaningfully confront the problems, limi-tations, and benefits that the Internet and the new Age of Informa-tion present to the Fraternity. It is time to realize that new strategiesare needed. We cannot allow society to pass us by.

Fiat Lux,

Marc Conrad, 32ºKCCH

13

Scottish Rite FULFILL-BUILD-PROVIDEcontinued from page 5New Orleans Valley News-Honors Banquet:

continued from page 8Baton RougeValley News:

meeting.Ill. Bro. Charles McCarty 33º, our Personal Representative

to the SGIG, was presented with his Master Craftsman Diplomaby Bro. Ion Lazar 32ºKCCH, the Program's Director in NewOrleans. Brother Lazar spoke briefly about the scope of thisvery successful Program. Venerable Master Radosti then pre-sented several Ladies' Patents and explained how a membermay obtain one - have YOU ordered one for your wife and/ordaughter yet? The Venerable Master then introduced the firstspeaker for the evening's program: Bro. Ion Lazar 32ºKCCHdelivered an allocution on the administrative structure of aScottish Rite Valley and explained the significance of each ofthe Subordinate Bodies. All twelve elected officers currentlyserving in the four Bodies were then recognized.

The evening's keynote speaker was then introduced: Bro.and Dr. Azikiwe K. "Zeke" Lombard, MD. spoke about currentissues that impact the health care system in New Orleans. Dr.Lombard also answered several questions from the audienceand discussed several areas of potential improvement in thepost-Katrina health care system. Everyone enjoyed the veryeloquent and engaging presentation. Our hosts at Germaniadeserve our most sincere thanks for a great evening. The Junemeeting might have been our last meeting "on the road" fornow, but one thing is certain: we all had a great time, and thetraveling program WORKS! Salve Frater!

Ion Lazar, 32ºKCCH

Our Fall Reunion is scheduled for October 17 and has be-come a one day reunion. The Valley had hoped to present allfour degrees of the Chapter (15th, 16th, 17th & 18th) with thegrateful assistance of the Valley of New Orleans performingthe 15th Degree. Due to new part assignments, the 16th De-gree will not be performed. However, the 4th, 14th, 27th, 30thand 32nd Degrees will be exemplified along with the remain-ing Chapter Degrees. A schedule will be sent out in the"Trestleboard" as well as the newsletter when it has been fi-nalized. We hope you will make plans to attend the Reunionto visit with the Brethren and learn more from our Degree work.

As your Director of Work, I am somewhat at a quandary.The Valley has three functioning degrees that are fully mannedand operating but need a Director. This is the perfect opportu-nity for a Brother to take on a Degree without recruiting newcast members and scheduling several practices to prepare forthe next performance. If you are interested in working with aDegree, especially 25th, 30th or the Remembrance Service,please contact me at (225) 362-1120.

From the Director of Work

Aye,

Rick Bowles, 32ºKCCH

It is not ornamental, the cost is not great,There are other things far more useful, yet truly I state,

Tho of all my possesions, there’s none can compare,With that white leather apron, which all Masons wear.

As a young lad I wondered just what it all meant,When Dad hustled around, and so much time was spent

On shaving and dressing and looking just right,Until Mother would say: “It’s the Masons tonight.”

And some winter nights she said: “What makes you go,Way up there tonight thru the sleet and the snow,You see the same things every month of the year.”Then Dad would reply: “Yes, I know it, my dear.”

Forty years I have seen the same things, it is true.And though they are old, they always seem new,

For the hands that I clasp, and the friends that I greet,Seem a little bit closer each time that we meet.”

Years later I stood at that very same door,With good men and true who had entered before,

I knelt at the alter, and there I was taughtThat virtue and honor can never be bought.

That the spotless white lambskin all Masons revere,If worthily worn grows more precious each year,

That service to others brings blessings untold,That man may be poor tho surrounded by gold.

I learned that true brotherhood flourishes there,That enmities fade ‘neath the compass and square,

That wealth and position are all thrust aside,As there on the level men meet and abide.

So, honor the lambskin, may it always remainForever unblemished, and free from all stain,

And when we are called to the Great Father’s love,May we all take our place in that Lodge up above.

The Lamb Skinby

Edgar A Guest

14


Fraternally,Michael Poll

In 1973, the last Grand Consistory under the jurisdictionof the SJ (The Grand Consistory of Louisiana) was convertedinto the statutory consistory of the Valley of New Orleans. Apage in the history of the U.S. AASR turned. But it bringsabout the question as to why there was ever a Grand Consistoryin Louisiana or any where. What is a Grand Consistory andwhy did they ever exist?

The Valley of New Orleans is the oldest continually exist-ing body of high grade AASR Masonry in North or SouthAmerica. The first clear arrival of the 33 degree system in NewOrleans was in 1807 with the creation of a craft lodge, fol-lowed by a Lodge of Perfection in 1809 and a Grand Consistoryin 1811. While there was a Lodge of Perfection in New Or-leans in the mid 1700's, it was not part of the 33 degree AASR,but the older, so-called "Rite of Perfection."

In order to properly understand our early history, we needto put aside what we know of present-day Masonry and stepback into another world (so to speak). How we "do things"today was not always the way things were done and many ofthe early practices of Masonry would be most confusing to eventhe experienced Mason of today.

With the exception of the New Orleans area, it is almostunheard of to find a craft lodge working in the AASR craftritual in the US. This situation is mostly due to the fact thatthe AASR arrived most everywhere in the US (not countingCerneau) via either Charleston, SC (Southern Jurisdiction) orNew York (Northern Masonic Jurisdiction). But in New Or-leans, the AASR arrived via Kingston, Jamaica. That bit ofinformation is vital to understanding why we are "different."

When we look at the creation of the first supreme councilin Charleston, we need to look at what was happening in Ma-sonry in that area. From the accounts available, it would seemthat the first supreme council fully intended to work the com-plete 33 degrees of the AASR, including the craft degrees. Thatidea seems to have been quickly shot down by the already ex-isting Masonic establishment in South Carolina. There werealready existing there two Grand Lodges and pressure was be-ing placed on them by the US Masonic community to merge soas to have only one Grand Lodge in the state. The idea of athird body controlling craft lodges must have been viewed ascompletely unthinkable. This "one grand lodge only" situa-tion did not exist in Jamaica, or in many other places in theworld.

When the supreme council in Kingston, Jamaica was formedin early 1804 by Alexander de Grasse-Tilly, it would seem tohave worked the complete 33 degrees of the AASR. The cre-ation in New Orleans by several Kingston Sovereign GrandInspectors General followed a logical order. First a craft lodgewas created, followed by a lodge of perfection and then a grandconsistory. The grand consistory was the senior body in thearea and the one responsible for reporting to the supreme coun-cil as well as charged with the supervision of all its subordi-nate bodies.

The history of the Grand Consistory of Louisiana is a com-plex one and over the years, it passed under a number of juris-

Why A Grand Consistory?by

Michael R. Poll, 32°

dictions. After several earlier attempts, it f inally came to restunder the SJ in the mid 1800's, and there it would remain. Thetitle of the presiding officer was "Commander in Chief." AlbertPike was elected to this position in 1857 and would serve thereuntil his election as Sovereign Grand Commander of the SJ in1859. During Pike's administration as Sovereign Grand Com-mander, the name of the presiding off icer of the GrandConsistory would be changed to "Grand Master of Kadosh."

In 1973, the Southern Jurisdiction restructured the GrandConsistory of Louisiana into a statutory consistory of the Val-ley of New Orleans. The presiding officer of the Valley becamethe Venerable Master of the Lodge of Perfection rather thanthe presiding officer of the Council of Kadosh.

If we look at the early years of the AASR, then a GrandConsistory might somewhat resemble or be likened to a Pro-vincial Grand Lodge. A Provincial Grand Lodge would have aGrand Lodge as its superior body, but it would also have subor-dinate bodies under its own jurisdiction. If the situation hadbeen favorable in the U.S. for supreme councils to work thecomplete 33 degrees, then the craft lodges would have beenunder the direct jurisdiction of a Grand Consistory.

Another interesting point of a Grand Consistory is that theywere not necessarily limited to the number of bodies under theirjurisdiction. Until around the 1940's or 50's, the GrandConsistory of Louisiana had several Lodges of Perfection un-der its jurisdiction. We still have a few members in the Valleyof New Orleans who received degrees in various Lodges of Per-fection under the jurisdiction of the Grand Consistory of Loui-siana.

While the Southern Jurisdiction no longer has a provisionfor grand consistories under its statutes, understanding theiroriginal use and place in the structure of the AASR is benefi-cial to us all.

15


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

THE FINALWORD

“What About That Inner Door?”

Bill Mollere, 33° S.G.I.G.

continued next column

One of the Lodges to which it is my honor to belong holdsan annual "Table Lodge" where a noted speaker is invited toattend and offer appropriate comments following a very finemeal. The ceremony includes the ritual of toasting the usualMasonic dignitaries, and has the old method of toasting with asmall "firing cannon" (glass) that is a souvenir of the evening'sactivities - it is all fun and the fellowship is outstanding. Overthe years, the Lodge has had some outstanding Masonic speak-ers. Prior to the evening's event, the Lodge members host aluncheon where the speaker for the evening is honored andhas a more "relaxed" opportunity to talk, visit and get to knowhis hosts. Several years ago, MW Robert Hannon, PGM ofArizona and the SGIG of Arizona was invited to be the speaker.Bob Hannon is an old personal friend, and his wife, Marion,have both been a part of my Masonic life for over thirty years.So having him attend was a special treat for me.

During the luncheon, one of the members asked a questionabout Arizona Masonry - how membership was gained, howthe investigative system worked and how membership reten-tion and recruitment was working? Bro. Hannon answeredand then turned the question by asking how Louisiana's sys-tem was working and who guards the Inner Door. The answermost gave was the standard one - that upon receipt of a peti-tion, the Master appoints a committee of three who visit andcheck on the petitioner's answers, ability to join and have hisfamily's support, his real interests, and then reports back tothe Lodge on the committee's findings, after which the ballotis taken. A simple procedure, when followed. But, the ques-tion came back, how often is the procedure "really" followed?That question is being asked more and more as Lodges seemen drop out of their Lodges - just quit. Most decide not topay their Dues and become suspended - the answer being thatthe Lodge offers them nothing, that they have not attended ameeting in years, that they do not remember the ritual andwould be embarrassed attempting to visit, or the last time thatthey attended they felt unwelcome - a stranger. All reasonsheard by anyone who has ever called to try to get a suspendedmember to return, pay delinquent Dues, and come visit a meet-ing. Some will argue that Masonry is not losing true membersor down-sizing, but "right-sizing" and keeping the men whoreally want Masonry, and adding new men who really wantMasonry.

In Scottish Rite, we accept any regular Master Mason whoapplies for Degrees, pays his fees and shows up for a Reunion- who has not witnessed a petition being received the morningof a Reunion with a "special communication" held, and a fa-vorable ballot insuring another candidate is sitting in the Classduring the Reunion - not unusual - another member added tothe rolls at the last minute. Yet, do we know the Master Ma-son who has applied for Degrees? Most will reply, "He is aMaster Mason and therefore someone who is eligible and quali-fied." Yes, the applicant's current membership card is sup-posed to be checked, his Lodge membership status is suppos-edly checked through the Grand Lodge data base, and some-one who knows the applicant has signed and sponsored theapplicant. Many times, who has witnessed someone who iswalking by and asked to sign as the applicant's co-sponsor be-cause two names are needed…. So Scottish Rite adds a MasterMason from a recognized Lodge who is "current" and in goodstanding, and sponsored by at least one Scottish Rite Masonwho attests that he knows the applicant is a good and true can-didate to become a Master of the Royal Secret - a 32 Mason.Who really guarded Scottish Rite's Inner Door when that hap-pened?

As the days go by and membership in our five LouisianaValleys - New Orleans, Shreveport, Lake Charles, Baton Rougeand Monroe - slowly "right-sizes" in numbers, the answer isobvious to me - we have done a poor job guarding that InnerDoor of Scottish Rite. We are not losing members, we are los-ing men who decide that they no longer "want" Scottish Rite -we may have done most of those men a disservice when theyjoined, perhaps years ago. We did not have a committee inves-tigate them and their reason for joining - why did they origi-nally want to become a Scottish Rite Mason? Some might an-swer that they really wanted to become a Shriner and they "hadto go through one of the Rites". That was a reason that madesome join Scottish Rite - that qualification is no longer re-quired; and some men have decided to drop out of ScottishRite and keep their Shrine membership. If they are a goodactive Shrine member, then fine - keep that level of activityand be the best Shrine member possible! Scottish Rite prob-ably never had them as an active member anyway - just a Duesmember. But what did Scottish Rite do originally to know thatmember's real interest and what his level of activity would be?Today, it is more important than ever to investigate every ap-plicant for Scottish Rite membership - not to add a member,but to add another Brother, an active and involved member.Not to add another Dues payer, but to include a Master Masonwho is searching for More Light and wants what Scottish Ritecan offer - a man who lives and believes our Mission - to live,teach and emulate Brotherly Love, Tolerance, Charity, andTruth by embracing high social, moral, and spiritual valuesthat include fellowship, compassion, and dedication to God,family and country - let us always guard the Inner Door! Thankyou for continuing to live and believe our Mission.

Louisiana Scottish Rite FoundationLouisiana Scottish Rite Trestleboard

Post Office Box 64Shreveport, LA 71161

Tel: 318-221-9713

August-September 2009 Issue09-04


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

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 StatementDid You Know?

Secretaries Need Help??You bet we do. You may ask, how can I

help? The answer is very simple. In orderfor Secretaries to maintain up to date infor-mation, we need correct addresses andphone numbers. Another question, did yousupply that information with your duestransmittal? Some members have, othersseem to want to keep the information pri-vate. We can assure you that all informa-tion is strictly private. Should you be will-ing to cooperate, please give your secretarya phone call and give him the information.Some Valleys are developing programs tomaintain communications with their mem-bers and this information will be greatly ap-preciated. Example: In the New OrleansValley, only 40% of the phone numbers arerecorded and their program really can’t getoff the ground. Won’t you please help us tomaintain our records. Orient Secretaries.

louisiana scottish rite trestleboard 2009.pdf · · 2014-05-10the greek version of the mythical...

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